Dr. Stephanie Russell (Marquette)
WASHINGTON, DC – The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) has named Dr. Stephanie Russell its first vice president for mission integration. Russell is currently the vice president for mission and ministry at Marquette University; she will resign from this role on December 31st and begin her new role at AJCU on July 1, 2016. She will work on special projects for Marquette during the spring semester and will be succeeded by Rev. Edward Mathie, S.J. as interim vice president for mission and ministry.
In her new role with AJCU, Russell will work remotely from Milwaukee and travel to support the work of AJCU conferences, provide workshops and consult with colleges and universities, and assist in central aspects of the Association’s mission. She previously served AJCU as interim director of the AJCU Seminar on Higher Education Leadership in 2013, as well as a member of the AJCU Mission Advisory Committee.
AJCU president Rev. Michael J. Sheeran, S.J. said, “We are very pleased to have Stephanie join AJCU next summer in the new role of vice president for mission integration. She is widely respected across the AJCU network and noted for her deep understanding of Ignatian pedagogy and her lifelong commitment to Jesuit higher education. As our institutions continue to reaffirm their Jesuit identity through new programs and workshops, Stephanie’s support to their faculty and staff will be invaluable.”
A 1983 graduate of Marquette, Russell joined the University in 2001. In her role as vice president for mission and ministry, she has been responsible for promoting the University’s mission and Catholic, Jesuit identity, expressed in the search for truth, the discovery and sharing of knowledge, the promotion of a life of faith and the development of leadership expressed in service to others. In addition, she has overseen the Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality, the Institute for Catholic Leadership, Manresa for Faculty, and Campus Ministry.
Russell has worked for many Jesuit institutions, including 11 years as the provincial assistant for lay formation and social ministry for the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus. She has received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Spring Hill College, the University of Scranton’s Pedro Arrupe, S.J. Award for Distinguished Contributions to Ignatian Mission and Ministries, and the Marquette University High School Spirit of St. Ignatius Award.
Information and photo provided by Marquette University.