I’m pleased to share that Rusty Riis has been appointed as RCC’s Dean of Instruction for Health & Public Service!
Rusty was born and raised in Southern Oregon; his family has called the Rogue Valley home since 1943. He most recently served as faculty Department Chair of Emergency Services at RCC. Prior to this role, he was a full-time and adjunct faculty member, following nearly 15 years of service as an Emergency Services provider and supervisor in Josephine County. His public service journey began at RCC, where he first enrolled in EMT night classes while still in high school, and volunteering at a local fire department.
Throughout his career, Rusty has remained committed to serving the community—first as a healthcare provider meeting urgent needs—and now as an educator preparing the next generation of first responders. He holds a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Leadership in Higher Education. His graduate research explored the importance of honoring adult learners’ prior knowledge and experiences through Credit for Prior Learning initiatives.
As department chair, Rusty emphasized relationships by appreciating the person behind the title, collaboration that focuses on removing barriers, and innovation—he admits that coloring outside the lines is a bit of a specialty. He believes meaningful conversations, clear communication and creative problem-solving are at the heart of student success. His leadership is centered on reducing barriers for students and supporting faculty and staff who push academic improvement in new directions.
Outside of work, Rusty enjoys spending time on his quintessential rural farm with too many chickens to count, along with his husband Cody, and their lab, Copper. He also loves traveling the world and sampling Southern Oregon’s grape juice factories, better known as wineries. He insists it’s strictly academic research…
Please join us in welcoming Rusty to his new professional adventure!!