Written by: Cody Brumfield
Published: 01/08/2009

LeRoy Rooker Retires from US Education Department

The renowned LeRoy Rooker, Director of the Family Policy Compliance Office at the U.S. Department of Education, will retire after more than two decades of distinguished service within the Department. Among his major responsibilities has been the administration of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Mr. Rooker is perhaps best known to the AACRAO community for his FERPA Update and Overview presentations at the Annual Meeting and other events.

Always a great friend and advocate of AACRAO's mission, Mr. Rooker has asked that we pass along the following message:

As the saying goes, "All good things must come to an end." It is hard to believe that 21 wonderful years as Director of FPCO have gone by so quickly. In recent years, my sons, Ron and Stephen, have grown up much too quickly as well, and I determined a while back to spend more time with them before they embark on their college adventures. That decision, of course, means some changes for me. Having completed the arduous process of publishing the new FERPA regulations in December, this seemed to be the moment to make my move to new but less time-consuming career challenges. Consequently, January 3, 2009, is my last day in my capacity as director. As I think back on the highlights of my time at FPCO, I am especially grateful for the many friendships I have gained through my interaction with the wonderful AACRAO community. There are far too many for me to express my appreciation individually for their years of friendship; consequently, I would appreciate your forwarding this email to the AACRAO membership. I am looking forward to staying involved with the education community and continuing those friendships. I will provide more details in the near future. In the meantime, my new email address is rooker.ferpa@gmail.com.

Thanks again for being such great friends.

LeRoy Rooker
Director, FPCO
U.S. Department of Education
Washington, D.C. 20202