Editor’s note: this posting has been updated to include Sen. Ruff’s funeral plans and additional statements from the VCCS. Please see below.
Ruff
I was deeply saddened to learn of former State Senator Frank Ruff’s passing. Throughout his career as a public servant, Senator Ruff established himself as a champion of workforce development programs, especially those offered through the Virginia community College System.
Frank Ruff understood the transformative power of community colleges in rural communities. As a state lawmaker from a largely rural district, he saw firsthand how these institutions could serve as economic engines, providing his constituents with vital pathways to employment.
Senator Ruff recognized that the traditional four-year college path wasn’t the only route to success, and he worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between educational institutions and local industry. His advocacy helped secure funding for numerous workforce training programs throughout his district and across Virginia, programs specifically tailored to meet the demands of emerging industries in Virginia. He also patroned legislation establishing the Workforce Credentials Grant, which has fueled the success of tens of thousands of Virginians and will be an enduring legacy for all the lives made better because of it.
Beyond his legislative accomplishments, Senator Ruff was known for his hands-on approach to community college advocacy. He regularly visited campuses throughout his district, meeting with students, faculty, and administrators to better understand their needs and challenges.
Frank Ruff’s dedication to community college education and workforce development has left an indelible mark on Virginia’s educational landscape. His legacy lives on in the countless students who continue to benefit from the programs he championed.
-David Doré
Chancellor, Virginia Community College System
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“Frank Ruff was ethical, conscientious, and always working to improve the lives of his constituents in Southside Virginia,” said Associate VCCS Chancellor Ellen Davenport, who works extensively with Virginia lawmakers as the head of VCCS Governmental Relations. “When we approached him for help on budgetary matters, Frank was enthusiastic about leading the way for budget amendments.”
“I was honored to work with Senator Ruff both at the Virginia Department of Education and at Virginia’s Community Colleges,” said Randall Stamper, Associate Vice Chancellor for Career Education & Workforce Programs. “Sen. Ruff’s work both in the General Assembly and with the Virginia Tobacco Commission was always focused on advancing the needs of low-wage/low-skill workers in his district and statewide, whether they needed literacy skills, a GED, or workforce training supported through the Workforce Credential Grant program that he helped to create. He was a tireless advocate; hands-on leader, and a true gentleman. I will miss working with him.”
A memorial service honoring Sen. Ruff has been scheduled:
Friday, November 1 – 2pm
Clarksville Presbyterian Church
502 Virginia Avenue
Clarksville, VA 23927
Read Sen. Ruff’s Obituary here.
Senator Ruff was a frequent visitor to Southside Virginia and Danville Community Colleges, whose campuses are in the legislative district that Ruff represented.
In this visit to SVCC in 2016, Sen. Ruff appears with then SVCC President Al Roberts and Tim Pfhol of the Virginia Tobacco Commission.
Frank Ruff advocated for Virginia’s Community Colleges during his long tenure at the Virginia General Assembly. He’s seen here in 2015 with a delegation from what was then called John Tyler Community College.
Read Danville Community College’s statement on Sen. Ruff’s passing here.
