Richards Joins Academic Department

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 1:27 PM

Trudy Richards is the new administrative associate for the speech department.

Photo by Jeanne Acton

Trudy Richards may be a new addition to the UIL Speech & Debate department, but she already has significant experience with the League.

She competed in a variety of academic events as a student and then coached journalism while teaching at Manor High School. Richards also worked as an intern in the mailroom at UIL during her undergraduate career.

Richards, an alumna of the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, joined the UIL staff as the administrative associate on Sept. 1.

Before coming to the League, Richards was a teacher and a teacher trainer, so she understands and values UIL’s academic mission.

“I firmly believe in UIL’s goal of providing educational enrichment through competition, ” Richards said. “Competing in UIL strengthens determination, builds teamwork, and reinforces education outside a typical classroom setting. Students will use the skills they learn by participating in UIL contests throughout their lives.”

Outside the office, Richards loves spending time outdoors with her husband Dijar and their three young children. She especially enjoys hiking and snorkeling and has traveled extensively to participate in these activities.

The UIL staff has warmly welcomed Richards.

“We have been especially pleased with Trudy’s positive approach and her creative ideas to streamline projects,” Speech and Debate Director Jana Riggins said. “I knew we had found a great individual when she beamed after working eight hours on a Saturday at the UT Student Activities Conference and exclaimed, ‘I loved working SuperConference!’