By Crawford Craig

Jeff Ruark. Photo credit: Collegiate School.

This year, Collegiate welcomes a new Director of Campus Safety and Security, Jeff Ruark. With more than 18 years of experience in school safety, law enforcement, and military service, Ruark brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for keeping Collegiate safe. The journey to his new position is paved by his deep commitment to service, community, and protecting students.

Ruark’s background is as impressive as it is diverse. Originally hailing from the small town of Wayne, Michigan just outside of Detroit, he completed high school in 2003. He went on to serve two tours in Iraq with the United States Marine Corps. Ruark shared, “I was a [high school] junior when 9/11 happened, and yes, I still remember exactly where I was when I heard. The Iraq War started my senior year, and I wanted to serve.” 

Service and respect for the law run deep in Ruark’s family. His grandfather, Richard Aldrich, served 27 years in the Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer. Additionally, his father, Ron, and brother, Scott, both practice law. Ruark’s transition from the military to the police force was a natural next step, where he could continue the legacy of his family. After his military service, he joined the Henrico County Police K-9 Unit, where he protected the local community for six years and made over 700 arrests during his tenure with the unit.

After graduating from the Chesterfield County Police Department’s basic narcotics detection school in 2015, Ruark and his German shepherd partner, Bonnie, worked side-by-side until 2020. Along with the narcotics they found, the duo also seized 53 illegal firearms and more than $270,000 in U.S. currency. Speaking fondly of his former canine partner, Ruark recalls, “Bonnie earned the nickname ‘LaBon James‘ because of how reliable and impressive she was on the job.” Now, at 12 years old, Bonnie enjoys her well-earned retirement after bravely serving Henrico County for so many years. 

Most recently, Ruark served as the former head of security at Grove Christian School, where he transitioned from an interim classroom math teacher to their leader in school security. 

Ruark’s K9 partner Bonnie. Photo credit: Jeff Ruark.

Ruark shared that his move from the classroom back to security services emerged from a moment of clarity in March of 2023: “About two weeks into that [new teaching position], the shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville occurred, and I thought that my skills and experience were better suited to protecting students and faculty than teaching math. So I spoke to their Head of School about transitioning into a security role, and then I finished out my 10 weeks in the classroom, and then after that, I took over campus security the following year.” 

When asked about his preparation for his new security role at Collegiate, Ruark credited his experience both in the military and law enforcement. Beyond the foundational skills he forged in the Marine Corps, his time with the Henrico County Police helped him develop empathy, de-escalation skills, and an ability to make sound decisions under pressure. Ruark’s skills will no doubt position him for enduring success at Collegiate and serve as a role model to the entire community. “These qualities translate directly to a school environment,” he said, “where I apply them daily, while also striving to remain approachable and supportive.” 

Ruark has a clear perspective on what defines a safe school environment, and it’s more than critical physical security measures, such as access control, security cameras, and off-duty police officers. For Ruark, “safety begins with communication. It’s about being approachable so the students, teachers, and families feel comfortable coming to me or the security team with problems or concerns.” Only a few months into his tenure as Director of Campus Safety and Security, Ruark has tried to set an example of Collegiate’s core value of respect, which promotes a “Fundamental regard for the dignity and worth of each individual.” 

Most impressively, Ruark is a lifetime learner and does his homework, just like all good Collegiate Cougars, doing research on best practices in school and community security. He also attends webinars and debriefs on high-profile events, while staying in constant communication with local law enforcement. Ruark stated, “staying connected ensures we always apply the most effective strategies to our community.” 

In his first year at Collegiate, Ruark will prioritize building lasting connections with faculty, students, and families. Additionally, he is focused on being a keen observer to “understand the processes already in place so I can find the most effective ways to support the community.”

No two days ever look alike in Ruark’s role as Director of Campus Safety and Security. He’s committed to being an approachable, visible presence at morning drop-offs and afternoon dismissals, as well as athletic and special events on our campuses. When not out and about in the school community, forging new relationships, Ruark reported that you will find him planning for future events, supporting the security team, and patrolling campus.

While Ruark’s career achievements are impressive, he briefly ventured into the world of acting: “For something completely different, I once appeared in a Lifetime movie,” he laughed. The 2010 movie, Unanswered Prayers, was named after a Garth Brooks song and centered on a football player. Ruark’s father-in-law coached arena football and happened to know the film’s sports technical director, which opened the door to Ruark to join the production. He was cast as an athletic director and can be seen in numerous football scenes throughout the movie.

Outside his new role at Collegiate, Ruark enjoys spending time with his wife of 14 years and their nine-year-old son, who plays hockey for Richmond Generals. “I enjoy going to the gym, watching the Detroit Red Wings and Michigan football with my son, and spending time at the ice rink.” When asked about his best memories as a student, Ruark smiled, recalling “the friendships made through hockey, church, and school.”

Looking toward his future at Collegiate, Ruark is most excited about partnering with the high levels of excellence and respect that Collegiate community members show one another. He wants the students and families to see security as part of the community, not separate from it. “There’s an energy and passion here that focuses on giving students the best possible experience, and I’m grateful to be part of that.”