Russell Colling graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in Police Administration in 1959 and earned his Masters in Security Management in 1965.

Russell began his career in protective services in 1958 as a police officer in Saugatuck, Michigan and was soon appointed Chief of Police, the youngest to ever hold this position in the state’s history. His graduate school experience led him to dedicate his life and profession to hospital security and safety. Russell’s graduate work led to the development of a security facility for Elmhurst Memorial Hospital in Illinois, one of the first of its kind within the healthcare industry. His distinguished career in the field of health care security continued, retiring as Executive Vice President for Security for the Hospital Shared Services of Colorado, first President of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety and accomplished author.

Other accomplishments are Russell’s work with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to assist with the efforts to prevent infant abductions in hospitals. The success of his efforts are evident since his involvement with the Center. He also served as a past member of the School of Criminal Justice Alumni Association.