Judy C Ruggiri

Judy Ruggiri has been a Registered Nurse for several decades. She began her career at Stamford Hospital and fell in love with the Cardiac Specialty Area. When asked why Cardiology, she responded, “it required a combination of listening, learning, and teaching to help patients return to a healthy life.” Those simple actions became the hallmark of delivering compassionate care and continue to guide everything she does. She still practices as a staff nurse in Connecticut, bringing her clinical expertise directly to patients and their families.
A life-long learner, Dr. Ruggiri pursued and obtained a doctorate in Nursing, which inspired her transition to teaching at the university level. Her approach as an educator is guided by values and principles that emphasize student engagement, creativity, and passion. She views education as a co-creation—where educators and learners work together to design meaningful experiences, always grounded in academic rigor.
Her work and philosophy align closely with Quinnipiac University's four strategic pillars:
1. She cultivates an institution-wide mindset that prepares graduates for 21st-century careers and citizenship.
2. She contributes to an inclusive, excellence-driven community.
3. She nurtures and positively impacts internal, local, and global communities through her teaching and clinical practice.
4. She fosters lifelong connections and success by mentoring students and colleagues alike.
As a faculty member in the School of Nursing, Dr. Ruggiri embodies the school's core values:
• Belonging: Honoring all voices in the classroom and clinical setting.
• Collaboration: Emphasizing teamwork among students, faculty, and healthcare partners.
• Compassion: Promoting caring as central to nursing practice.
• Curiosity: Encouraging innovative ideas and inquiry in every learning environment.
• Integrity: Building trust through ethical practice and transparent relationships.
Together, these principles define Dr. Ruggiri's commitment to nursing, education, and the profession's future.