Dr. Lee Baruth, who served as chair of the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling (HPC) at Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education (RCOE) for nearly 30 years, retired July 1, 2017.
Baruth was a professional educator for 50 years. He was hired at Appalachian in 1988 as professor and chair, and he held previous faculty positions at the University of South Carolina and the University of Arizona. Baruth earned his Ed.D. in Counseling from the University of Arizona, and his M.S. in Counseling and B.S. in Mathematics from Minnesota State University.
During his tenure at Appalachian, Baruth was the recipient of several awards: American School Counselor Association Outstanding Counselor Award, Appalachian Distinguished Graduate Faculty Member, RCOE Distinguished Scholar Award, and he twice received the National Career Development Association Outstanding Service Award among others.
He is also a prolific author, having published 40 books and countless articles. His book “A Single Parent’s Survival Guide” was selected as recommended reading by the Library of Congress after it was featured on a CBS television presentation on single parent families.
He is a member of many professional associations including the American Counseling Association, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Psychological Association. Baruth served on numerous university committees, often as chair, and provided leadership and encouragement to HPC faculty and staff.
In honor of his time at Appalachian, the following are remembrances about Lee Baruth from his colleagues:
“Mentor, thinker, advocate - those are just a few things I think about when I think of Lee. He is also very creative and is a excellent free verse poet!” - Melba Spooner, Dean of the Reich College of Education
“Dr. Baruth is the most even keel, steady person and professional I have ever worked with. He weathers the storms like a grizzled sea captain that has seen, heard, and done it all.” - N. Jordan, Associate Dean of the Reich College of Education and "Mentee" to Dr. Baruth
“What stands out for me when I think about Lee is his advocacy for students and his ongoing writing of books for counseling and family therapy professionals.” - Karen Caldwell, HPC Professor
“Two things Lee use to say often: ‘P&T is like a marathon’ and ‘you are the captain of your course.’" - Anonymous
“My best memory of Lee is his always calm demeanor and wise counsel. Some also say he's a fine golfer but that may be overstated!” - Jim Lancaster, HPC Professor
“Lee always demonstrated support of my professional work by offering positive feedback and opportunities for growth. However, I also found great value in his recognition of my personal support system and the importance they played in my overall well being. For example, he always remembered my best friend's name and often asked about her.” - Glenda Johnson, HPC Assistant Professor
“Lee Baruth embodies quiet competence to get things done effectively. His style of leadership is to nurture and support the leadership capacities of others.” - Sally Atkins, HPC Professor Emerita
“I really enjoyed Lee’s leadership style and consistent way of supporting his faculty; he gave me enough support and room to grow. I came to him with out-of-the-box ideas and he always responded with encouragement; because of Lee, I am now a more confident and skilled educator. Thank you Lee.” - Dominique Hammonds, HPC Assistant Professor
Finally, in the words of Linda McCallister, director of the Public School Partnership, “To a mentor and friend. I will miss your smiling face and friendly demeanor. May the next stage be the best of your life.”
Congratulations on your retirement, Dr. Baruth, and best wishes from your friends and colleagues at Appalachian.
Lee Baruth
