After more than four decades in various student affairs positions, along with several years as education dean, Roy H. Ruby may have thought he was retiring from Mississippi State in 2004.

The gregarious, longtime university vice president was called back to work last October when the Board of Trustees, State Institutions of Higher Learning, asked him to assume duties as interim president of the land-grant institution.

“I didn’t want to do it,” Ruby recalled recently, with a laugh. He quickly added that the College Board request also was a high honor to serve his alma mater.

The second generation Bulldog held the chief executive role until the university’s 19th president, Mark Keenum— appointed by the board in November—formally assumed the position Jan. 5. While at the helm, Ruby steered MSU through several significant events, including the naming of a new football coach.

“This institution owes a great debt to Roy Ruby for his selfless and continuing service,” Keenum said. “He has been, and continues to be, a loyal Bulldog who always places Mississippi State first.”

Keenum said Ruby continues to be a vital resource and counselor whose “vast knowledge is something I value highly.”

Ruby began his MSU career in 1964 as director of the student union after graduating in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. After going on to earn an MSU master’s degree in 1966, also in political science, he began moving up the campus administrative ladder. While working in the Division of Student Affairs, he earned a doctorate in higher education and student personnel at the University of Mississippi.

College Board President Amy Whitten echoed Keenum in expressing high praise for Ruby’s latest MSU role.

“When the Board of Trustees needed him, Dr. Ruby immediately answered the call to service,” she said. “We are grateful to his unwavering dedication to his beloved university and to the State of Mississippi.”

Board member and MSU alumnus Ed Blakeslee, who has known Ruby since their undergraduate days, said he wasn’t surprised “at all” that his friend took on the challenge.

“I have always had the highest regard for Roy and everything he has done for the university and for the state over the years,” Blakeslee said. “His commitment and passion have left an indelible mark on the institution as he exemplifies the spirit and heart that is Mississippi State.”

Widely known for his love of a good rocking chair, Ruby still hasn’t settled down to rock away his days since passing the presidential mantle on to Keenum. He continues to work with Mitchell Memorial Library’s archives department in collecting a series of oral history interviews of current and former longtime employees.

“Dr. Ruby is helping the library document the contributions of many individuals who have been important to the life of Mississippi State,” said Dean of Libraries Frances N. Coleman. “He’s perfectly suited for the role and we hope his service continues long into the future.”

To date, Ruby has completed about 30 interviews, including all living former presidents and vice presidents, as well as many deans, faculty members and department heads, and others. There are many more at every level of service on his list, he said.

The onetime Mississippi Delta resident, also known for his distinctive drawl and self-effacing wit, currently spends additional “retirement” time leading campus tours for special groups upon request and speaking frequently to student groups.

“I’m going to keep going as long as they need me,” he said.