Dr. Matthew Ruiz

Associate Professor of Exercise Science

Faculty Athletics Representative

Dr. Matthew Ruiz joined the faculty in the fall of 2006. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training and exercise science from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, a Master of Science degree in exercise science and sport studies with a concentration in sport and exercise psychology from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, and a Ph.D. in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport and exercise psychology from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ruiz gained valuable experience as a graduate assistant at Springfield College and the University of Minnesota teaching courses on topics such as sport and exercise psychology, psychology of coaching, and sociology of sport.

Ruiz was a competitive baseball player, basketball player, and personal trainer for 14 years. He has conducted applied sport psychology consultation since 2001 with various athletes and teams including volleyball, swimming, baseball, gymnastics, football, and tennis. He has also worked with many injured athletes and with multiple male and female exercisers. His research interests include the effect of positive emotion on physical activity performance, exercise adherence, the effect of Christianity on sport and exercise, and the psychology of youth sport. Ruiz also has an interest in the psychology and physiology of peak performance, sport nutrition, and strength and conditioning.

Ruiz is a member of the American Psychological Association, Division 47 – Sport and Exercise Psychology of the American Psychological Association, Christian Society of Kinesiology and Leisure Studies, Association for Applied Sport Psychology, and American Alliance on Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. He is also an active member of the Southwinds Church of Christ in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

E-mail mruiz@huntington.edu