ATHENS, Ohio -- Tiece Ruffin, a doctoral student in the Ohio University College of Education, has been appointed a Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar with the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education.

Ruffin, who is majoring in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in special education, will spend her summer in her hometown of Washington, D.C. She will work with the Education Department on a variety of projects related to critical education programs and initiatives, as well as analysis and policy development.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars program commemorates the late civil rights leader and his contributions to civil and human rights in the United States. Ruffin's appointment is one of 10 positions awarded nationwide.

"This is truly an honor and an invaluable opportunity for me," says Ruffin.

Ruffin has been a leader in the College of Education at Ohio University since earning her bachelor's degree in education in 1998. She received her master's degree in education from Ohio University in 1999.

Ruffin has won numerous awards during her time at the university, including Outstanding Graduate Student in Special Education (2003) and Outstanding Senior Leader Award and the John Newton Templeton Award (1997-98). She is also a recent recipient of the Graduate Studies Fellowship, one of five fellowships awarded through the Office of the Associate Provost for Graduate Studies at Ohio University.