Millennium Magazine_2ndEd

A Marquis Who's Who Magazine 169 R uth C. Harris has dedicated her life to sharing her knowledge with undergraduate students as an accounting educator. Dr. Harris became involved in her profession because she wanted to emulate her older sister, who was her role model. She told her parents that she was going to major in chemistry when she attended college, but decided that she did not like biology or physics. On registration day at Virginia State University, she changed her major to business administration and later developed an interest in accounting. She had an inspiring accounting professor who told the class to reach for the top, which she continued to do as she progressed in the field. For 48 years of her career, Dr. Harris worked at Virginia Union University in various capacities, remaining actively involved in the lives of her students as she watched them succeed. She began her career there in 1949 as an instructor in the commerce department and made headway as an assistant professor, associate professor and professor. The experience she gained in these positions allowed her to serve in leadership roles as the director of the Sydney Lewis School of Business Administration for eight years and department chair for 41 years. One of her career highlights was becoming the first African-American female CPA in the state of Virginia, again following in the footsteps of her sister, who was the first African-American female CPA in New York. Dr. Harris is an active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she has sung in several choirs and has been a Sunday school teacher and member of the handbell choir. She is affiliated with the Board of Christian Education and the Ladies Guild. She was appointed as a member of the interdepartmental committee for rate setting for children’s facilities by Governor Charles H. Robb. Although retired, Dr. Harris continues to volunteer with her local AARP. RUTH C. HARRIS ACCOUNTING EDUCATOR (RETIRED) Richmond, VA