A native of Ellenville, New York, Ruth came to Buffalo to attend the University at Buffalo, and shortly after receiving her degree she began her tenure with the University.

A long time administrator, Ruth Bryant is involved in both University and community activities. In 1982 she was appointed Assistant Dean in the School of Architecture and Planning where she is responsible for all human resource-related activities as well as school-wide events. Prior to her 1982 appointment, she was a member of the staff of the Graduate School of Education. She was the first person of color to be elected Chair of the Professional Staff Senate (1988), the governing body for professionals at the University at Buffalo. She has served on university-wide committees including the Task Force on Women at UB, Faculty Senate Committee on Governance, Task Force on Community Engagement, and Task Force on Human Resource Transformation among others. She currently serves as Chairperson of UB’s Minority Faculty and Staff Association.

Her current board activities include the following: Board of Directors, The John R. Oishei Foundation; Chair, Board of Directors, Reverend Dr. Bennett W. Smith, Sr., Family Life Center; Chair, Board of Directors HELP Buffalo; Rental Assistance Corporation, Housing Development Corporation, and Community Advisor for Junior League of Buffalo. Her immediate past board activities include: Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo serving as Chair 2001-2002; Local Initiatives Support Corporation; and for nine years, United Way of New York State (Secretary, 1996-2000). Past board activities include: Education Fund for Greater Buffalo; Board of Trustees, Medaille College; Co-Chair, United Neighborhoods; the Erie County Cultural Resources Advisory Board; and the YWCA of Western New York. The YWCA, Everywoman Opportunity Center, National Conference, NAACP, Black Achievers, and the University at Buffalo have honored Ruth with awards for her community service.

A graduate of Leadership Buffalo Class of 1993, Ruth is a political activist and serves as Chair of the Candidate Review Committee of The Women’s TAP Fund, a political action committee, which supports local women running for elective office. Her neighborhood involvement includes Chairperson of the Willert Park Village Community Association, a neighborhood that has won national awards for its redevelopment.

This Uncrowned Queen appeared in Volume 1 of Uncrowned Queens, and was one of 80 women selected for UB’s Library exhibit, “Women’s Work: a tribute to the women who make UB work.” She’s a founding member of the Buffalo Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Ms. Bryant believes one of her roles is to mentor and share her knowledge with others.

Ms. Bryant is an active member of St. John Baptist Church where she serves on numerous committees under the dynamic leadership of her pastor, the Rev. Michael Chapman.

She is married to Earl M. Lynch and is the step parent to three adult children and step grandparent of Aisha, Aidan, Lauryn, and Colin