About Us

Honors Faculty Daniel Ruth

Critical Thinking | Communication | Advocacy

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Daniel Ruth brings decades of journalism experience to the Judy Genshaft Honors College as a visiting professor of professional practice. A longtime member of the Tampa Bay Times editorial board, Ruth shared the 2013 Pulitzer for editorial writing with Tim Nickens for a series of columns holding the Pinellas County Commission accountable for removing fluoride from the county water supply — putting the oral health of more than 700,000 residents at risk. Their work not only informed the public but also helped lead to the election of new commissioners and the restoration of fluoride to the water supply.

Career in Journalism & Media

With a career spanning four decades, Ruth has worn many hats in the world of journalism — reporter, film and TV critic, columnist, and editorial writer. His work has appeared in the Tampa Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and Tampa Bay Times. He has also made his mark in broadcasting as a commentator and talk show host for WMAQ in Chicago, as well as Tampa Bay’s WQYK, WFLA, and WWBA.

Ruth currently hosts The Daniel Ruth Show, a podcast that takes a sharp and entertaining look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of current events, politics, and modern culture. 

Beyond his work in newsrooms and studios, Ruth has been a dedicated educator, serving as an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida's Honors College, the University of Tampa, and Columbia College in Chicago.

Honors & Recognition

A graduate of Gannon University in Erie, Pa., Ruth also holds a master’s degree in mass communications from the University of South Florida. Over the years, he has earned numerous accolades for his commentary, including:

  • The Peter Lisagor Award for his columns in Chicago
  • The Irene Miller Vigilance in Journalism Award from the Pinellas County ACLU
  • The Clearwater Bar Association’s Liberty Bell Award
  • The Green Eyeshade First Place Award for commentary in 2014
  • Induction into USF’s Kappa Tau Alpha journalism hall of fame

Whether in the newsroom or the classroom, he is passionate about the power of education to inform, challenge, and inspire change.

Contact Professor Daniel Ruth.