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Ron Self, Ed.S. - Director of Building Security & Operations
Ron Self brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in the field of security. His career began in 1999 as a police officer with the Luxora and Jonesboro Police Departments. He went on to serve as Director of Security for the Blytheville School District before taking on a pivotal role in August 2015 as Director of Security for the Little Rock School District (LRSD). In this capacity, he oversaw the safety and security of more than 22,000 students and 3,000 employees. After more than 25 years in the public sector, including over 18 years as a Director of School Security, Ron transitioned to Baldwin & Shell Construction Company. In his current role, he focuses on developing physical security solutions for K-12 schools and higher education institutions.
Self's tenure at LRSD witnessed a transformation in school security practices, resulting in annual departmental cost reductions exceeding $750,000. Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, he co-directed the District’s COVID Point of Contact team and played a key role in establishing and operating day camps to support families of hospital employees. In 2018, Self furthered his impact by joining Arkansas State University's Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management as an adjunct professor.
His contributions have garnered national recognition, including being named one of the "Top Twenty under Forty" security directors in the U.S. by Security Directors News magazine. Self is a sought-after speaker at conferences and training events, covering vital topics such as active shooter preparedness and the convergence of security and technology. Notably, he was recently selected to serve on the inaugural leadership board for the National Council of School Safety Directors.
Self holds a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management from Arkansas Tech University, a Master’s degree in Disaster Preparedness from Arkansas State University, and a Specialist in Educational Leadership from Arkansas Tech University. Additionally, he is licensed as a Superintendent in both Texas and Arkansas, further underscoring his commitment to excellence in security and education.
