Eric Rooks Named Director of Campus Safety at Oberlin

Eric Rooks, a veteran public servant with extensive experience in campus safety settings and municipal law enforcement, was named Director of Campus Safety at Oberlin College and Conservatory. He began August 11.

Rooks joins Oberlin after retiring in July from the Gwinnett County (Georgia) Police Department, which he served since 2006, most recently as a sergeant in charge of the department’s community outreach programs. Since 2007, Rooks also served as a campus officer at Gwinnett Technical College, fostering a secure campus environment through proactive patrolling and community relationship-building.

Rooks brings to Oberlin what he describes as a “campus-first, team-oriented” approach—a model that emphasizes proactive risk management and strong community partnerships.

“I like to think that each one of us is more than just an employee of Oberlin College and Conservatory,” he says of his Campus Safety colleagues. “We can play a vital role in shaping the very fabric of Oberlin. One way to do that is by following through on every detail and every request, and by doing it with kindness. My door is always open to our students, faculty, and staff so that we can collaborate on any concerns any member of our community may have.”

For years, Rooks was an instructor of Georgia patrol officers; his professional interests include de-escalation and customer service training. Originally from Tampa, Florida, he began his career with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office in New Port Richey, Florida. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Leadership from Mercer University.

“What makes Oberlin a welcoming and safe place is our deep commitment to fostering a community of care and a sense of shared responsibility to and for each other,” says Vice President and Dean of Students Karen Goff. “Eric is a person who understands this obligation. I have already observed this in his interactions with colleagues and students, in his thoughtful approach to identifying opportunities for engagement, and in his emphasis on supporting the entire campus community. We are thrilled to welcome him to Oberlin.”

The Campus Safety office is located in Dascomb Hall.