Tom Ross named new Associate Dean of Public Services at College of DuPage
As the Associate Dean of Public Services at College of DuPage, Tom Ross brings with him a wealth of knowledge and more than 35 years of experience in law enforcement, holding progressively responsible supervisory, command and executive leadership positions.
In his new role, Ross will oversee the state-of-the-art Homeland Security Education Center and the Homeland Security Training Center, which house the ollege's Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services and Aviation Management programs, as well as the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) and Fire Academy. Additionally, he will be responsible for overseeing Continuing Education In-Service Training and the Real Estate program.
Ross, who joined the college in 2019 as the Deputy Director of SLEA, said that his vision moving forward is simple.
"If you focus on what's best for the student, you're going to go right every single time," he said.
Ross earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Administration from Western Illinois University.
During his 30-year policing career, he worked his way up through the ranks in the Bolingbrook Police Department, eventually becoming the police chief and retiring in 2017 as the public safety director. Throughout his storied career, Ross has completed training with the FBI, Northwestern University School of Police Staff Command, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and Harvard University.
From an early age, Ross had his sights on becoming a first responder.
"I've honestly never wanted to do anything else," he said. "My parents both grew up in Brooklyn, New York and my siblings and I visited there often as kids. There were so many police officers and firefighters in the community. It was engrained in the culture there. And ironically, out of the six siblings, we have two police officers and a firefighter. I've always believed in giving back to my community, and now I can continue that in this new role."
With a deep passion for training the next generation of first responders, Ross has taught at Northwestern University since 2006 while also serving as an adjunct faculty member at Lewis University, Western Illinois University and COD. Additionally, he is a Public Safety Consultant for the Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies.
"Out of all the things that I've taught, including new police recruits, my favorite part is that peer-to-peer learning that takes place," he said. "I love facilitating, posing hypotheticals and then seeing how students apply that knowledge to real-world scenarios. And what's neat is that months and even years later, I'm able to connect with old students professionally as they continue with their public safety career."
COD Assistant Vice President of Economic Development and Dean of Continuing Education and Public Services Joe Cassidy said that Ross' vital experience and knowledge will help with recruitment efforts and growing program offerings.
"For the last five years, Tom has played an integral role in helping lead the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy's operations, planning and faculty development," he said. "Tom is student-focused and truly cares about each and every student that walks through COD's door. We consider ourselves fortunate to have him and his invaluable expertise as part of our team as we strive to expand the Public Services division of the college."