A former Jefferson College trustee, veteran and long-time member of law enforcement, Ronald Scaggs received the Jefferson College Alumnus of the Year Award.
“I am very flattered and honored,” Scaggs said. “I’m sure the competition was very stiff, and I honor them, too.”
He received the award May 16 in a ceremony at the Field House.
Scaggs, 78, of Festus, is a 1972 graduate of Jefferson College, however, after he began his studies he was enlisted in the United States Army and served as a sergeant in Vietnam. He served for three years and then returned home to finish his associate of arts degree.
During his service in Vietnam, Scaggs earned a Bronze Star for achievement. He also served in law enforcement for 44 years. Scaggs spent time with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, served as Festus police chief and as a law enforcement coordinator with the Department of Justice. Scaggs also served as president of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association and helped develop a Command Leadership Academy in partnership with St. Louis University.
Along with his time in law enforcement, he served for 24 years on the Jefferson College Board of Trustees. Scaggs said he initially joined the board because it intrigued him.
“I had been doing training at St. Louis University for law enforcement, and education intrigued me, so I gave it a shot,” he said.
Scaggs also has a degree in psychology from Maryville University and a degree in public policy administration from St. Louis University.
In recent years, Scaggs has authored a fiction book titled ‘Journey’s End’ about a young man’s antics that lead him to serving time in prison.
“It’s about a young man who pulls an innocent prank, goes to prison and comes out a hardened criminal,” he said. “It is his story, and the stories of the people around him in the town.”
Scaggs said he was inspired to write the book because he has always wanted to write.