College of Human Sciences remembers life and legacy of Dean Emerita Dr. Ruth Galbraith

The College of Human Sciences is celebrating the life and impact of Dr. Ruth Galbraith, dean emerita 1985, a pioneer who devoted 15 years of service to Auburn University mainly serving as dean of the then School of Home Economics, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the age of 102.

Galbraith devoted a large majority of her life to education — where she began as a teaching assistant and research fellow at Purdue University in 1947. Following stints at the University of Illinois and the University of Tennessee mainly working with textiles and teaching clothing courses, Galbraith made her way to the Plains.

Beginning in 1970, Galbraith served as a professor and head of the Department of Consumer Affairs until 1973. Her largest impact with the College of Human Sciences came from 1973-1985 when she served as dean.

 

“Ruth Galbraith devoted 15 extraordinary years to shaping the College of Human Sciences with a vision that kept us at the forefront of our field and positioned generations of students and faculty for success,” said current College of Human Sciences Dean Susan Hubbard. “Even after her formal service, she remained a constant champion of this college, offering encouragement, wisdom and unwavering support even beyond the age of 100. Her legacy is woven into who we are today, and we are profoundly grateful for a life so fully dedicated to advancing human sciences and uplifting our community.”

Dr. Ian Hardin, a 1965 Auburn alumnus, was offered a textile chemistry position within the school and then later, he was offered the position of department head of Consumer Affairs once Galbraith was selected to become dean of the School of Home Economics in 1973, and he spoke of the great working relationship they held after first meeting in 1971.

“I always had a very good relationship with Dr. Galbraith and admired how she had overcome several major obstacles in her career,” said Hardin. “She did her Ph.D. in chemistry at a time when this was very unusual for a woman. I know that she was very proud of being a mentor to the likes of Carol Warfield, Barbara Stowe and Kay Obendorf; all became nationally known as distinguished textile scientists. I am very grateful to Dean Galbraith for the opportunities that she provided me that helped me mature into a fairly well-rounded and effective faculty member.”

Throughout her distinguished career, Galbraith earned multiple accolades and served on several distinguished committees and organizations.

Some of her career accomplishments include earning the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who for her leadership in the fields of higher education and academic administration in 2019, serving as an elected fellow of the American Institute of Chemists and past president of the Alabama Home Economics Association, a longtime member and section chairman of the American Home Economics Association, a 1984 Outstanding Home Economist Award recipient, a Distinguished Alumni Award from Purdue University in 1970, among many others.

Born in Lecompte, LA, in 1923, Galbraith grew up on a farm in a small town in central Indiana. Outside of her academic career, Galbraith loved gardening, traveling and was an avid reader.

Associate Professor Emerita Dr. Mary Ann Potter, who taught interior design and furnishings and worked with Galbraith for years, fondly remembers how every Christmas Galbraith would bake fruitcake loaves and gift one to each faculty member.

Following retirement, Galbraith enjoyed seeing the world, taking several cruises and continued to call Auburn home.