This year, Milton welcomes José Luis Ruiz as our new dean of students. José was most recently the associate dean of students and director of residential life at St. Mark’s School in Southborough, Massachusetts. He has been active in independent school life for many years in numerous, valuable roles. He graduated from the Westminster School in Simsbury, Connecticut, and has worked in independent schools for 13 years. He is looking forward to learning Milton’s culture, and to getting to know the students—in the Student Center at recess, while sitting in on classes and visiting practices, by joining club discussions during the activities period.
“I want my office to be a comfortable place for students,” José says of his reenergized space in the deans’ suite. “I want them to feel like they can come to me about School-wide issues, about enhancing life at Milton, and I hope that they will use me as a resource. I want to generate conversation with them about anything, School-related or not.”
As director of the residential life program at St. Mark’s, José supported a staff of 11 dorm heads and oversaw all aspects of dormitory life. He helped implement initiatives in student life, advising, discipline and health services. As associate dean, José worked most closely with the school’s student leaders, supporting them and overseeing their work.
José has extensive classroom experience; he taught Spanish both at St. Mark’s and at Westminster. José majored in Spanish at Middlebury College and has completed work toward his master’s in education at Teachers College of Columbia University.
As director of diversity at Westminster, José helped recruit faculty and students of color and worked closely with students of color and their families. He has several times led sessions at the National Association of Independent Schools People of Color Conference and has attended many widely known diversity and leadership institutes.
During his years in education, José has served as an admission officer; football, basketball and track coach; advisor to various student groups; and member of many school committees.
In his free time, José enjoys golfing, spending time with his family, and walking his Siberian Husky, Diamond. He lives on campus with his wife, Carol, and their two daughters, Adriana and Alyssa.