People with Purpose: Ronnie Grice

Ronnie Grice has built his career on one simple belief: safety begins with relationships. Throughout his 32-year tenure as chief of police for Kansas State University's Manhattan campus, Grice has promoted visibility and approachability within his unit, ensuring students know and trust campus officers — even if they never face a crisis.

As he prepares to retire on April 2, Grice leaves behind a legacy of people-centered leadership, having found his purpose in guiding the K-State Police Department toward a culture grounded in trust, connection and collaboration.

A police retirement ceremony is set for 4 p.m. on Monday, March 30, in the K-State Student Union Bluemont Room.

Q: What's something you've done that makes a big difference for one student, or a small difference for a lot of students?

Grice: One of the most impactful practices that makes a meaningful difference is simply showing up across campus. Whether we're participating in formal conversations or casual chats, those moments allow students to see officers as approachable partners rather than distant authority figures.

Sometimes it's helping a student navigate a stressful situation; other times it's connecting them with counseling or campus support resources.

These daily touchpoints reflect our land-grant mission of meeting people where they are and providing practical support that improves lives. These conversations, whether big or small, lead to stronger trust, greater safety awareness and a sense of belonging that supports student success.

Q: Besides a degree, what's one thing every K-State student should take away from their time on campus?

Grice: Every student should leave with a strong sense of community responsibility, a shared commitment to looking out for one another and confidence in their ability to contribute positively to society.

For us, providing engagement opportunities, safety education and collaborative partnerships helps students learn that leadership is grounded in service and respect. That mindset of looking out for one another and working together not only creates safer campuses but also stronger communities.

Through programs such as safety education workshops, ALICE training and collaborative prevention efforts, students develop confidence, resilience and leadership skills. Our hope is that we prepare graduates who are not only career-ready but society-ready, holding values of community and integrity.

Q: What is your leadership style, and how does that contribute to your success in your role?

Grice: My leadership philosophy is grounded in service, collaboration, accountability, mentorship and consistency. I believe in empowering officers and staff through mentorship and professional development while reinforcing the values that have long defined community policing, including trust, transparency and consistency.

I believe strong organizations are built through relationships and trust, both internally and across the campus community.

At the same time, I encourage our unit to embrace forward-thinking practices that support innovation and inclusion. By balancing proven practices with innovative ideas, our department remains responsive to evolving campus needs while honoring the traditions that have built strong relationships over time.

This approach supports a culture where every team member contributes to meaningful community engagement and public safety outcomes.

Q: How does your work fit into the larger strategic plan of the university?

Grice: Public safety is deeply connected to student success, research and community engagement, all of which directly align with the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan. Our department contributes through safety education programs and workforce development training, as well as through partnerships with Student Life, Housing and Dining, and Counseling Services.

We also support experiential learning by mentoring students interested in public service careers. Through statewide collaboration and national professional engagement, we elevate K-State's reputation as a trusted thought partner while reinforcing our land-grant promise to service across Kansas and beyond.

Q: How do you build connections with students and earn their trust in your role?

Grice: Trust is built through consistent engagement and authentic interaction. Our officers are assigned across campus to build familiarity and continuity, helping students recognize faces and form relationships over time. Participating in orientations, safety walks, informal conversations across campus and educational programming allows us to engage students early in their college journey.

Personally, I focus on listening, understanding student concerns and working collaboratively to find solutions. When students feel heard and respected, it strengthens the culture of shared responsibility that defines a safe and welcoming campus environment.

By listening first and collaborating with campus partners, we demonstrate that safety is a shared responsibility. When students see officers as approachable mentors and educators, trust grows naturally.

Q: What is your favorite way to serve your profession and community, and why?

Grice: I am most energized when engaging with our university and communities. Investing in education and training is especially meaningful, whether in education and mentorship, instructing in training academies, facilitating ALICE preparedness discussions or mentoring emerging leaders in public safety. Those opportunities allow us to share knowledge, build capacity across Kansas and continue to serve with integrity.

Service through education reflects both our land-grant mission and our commitment to ensuring we're equipped to build safer, more resilient communities.