In a dramatic legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for employment practices in higher education, a former college president has filed a lawsuit against his previous employer and a current employee. On February 20, 2026, William Ruud lodged a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against Marietta College and Alexandra Perry, accusing them of defamation, breach of contract, and other charges.
The lawsuit traces back to Ruud’s tenure as President of Marietta College from 2016 to 2023. During this period, Ruud alleges that he faced ongoing harassment from Perry, who was then employed by the college. According to the complaint, Perry opposed administrative changes initiated by Ruud and later accused him of discrimination without substantiating evidence. Despite these allegations being dismissed by the college, tensions escalated when Perry became interim Dean in July 2022 and allegedly continued her campaign against Ruud. In December 2022, Ruud filed his own gender discrimination complaint against Perry with Marietta College’s Human Resources Director Caprice Hudson.
Ruud’s resignation from Marietta College became effective on June 30, 2023. However, the conflict reignited when he sought new employment opportunities. The lawsuit claims that in December 2024—18 months after his departure—Marietta College issued a No Contact Order against him at Perry’s behest without any communication or factual basis. This order was followed by another No Trespass Order in May 2025 after Ruud secured a presidency position at Carroll College in Montana.
Ruud contends that these orders were part of an orchestrated effort by Perry to sabotage his career prospects. He accuses her of filing false police reports and making defamatory statements online about him to Carroll College officials. These actions allegedly led to Carroll College rescinding its offer for him to serve as President on June 18, 2025.
In addition to defamation and tortious interference with contractual relations claims against both defendants, Ruud also charges Marietta College with breach of contract for failing to uphold a non-disparagement clause included in his separation agreement. He further accuses the college of negligent retention and supervision of Perry despite being aware of her alleged misconduct.
Ruud seeks compensatory damages exceeding $25,000 per claim for lost income and emotional distress among other harms caused by the defendants’ actions. He also demands punitive damages and attorney fees.
Representing Ruud are attorneys Fred M. Bean and Trisha Breedlove from Spitz Law Firm based in Independence, Ohio. The case is presided over by Judge Algenon L. Marbley under Case ID: 2:26-cv-00208-ALM-KAJ.
Source: 226cv00208_Ruud_v_Marietta_College_Complaint_Southern_District_Ohio.pdf
