Russell joins Mesa Community College as vice president of academic affairs

Dr. Joanne Russell was recently appointed Mesa Community College’s vice president of academic affairs and started July 9.

Russell brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in higher education faculty and administrative roles and is one of 31 leaders chosen nationwide for the 2022-23 class of Aspen Rising Presidents Fellows, according to a release.

Working as the college’s chief academic officer, Russell will administer academic programs and related support activities serving the needs of the diverse MCC student body, while upholding accreditation standards, it states.

About her role at MCC, Russell said, “I am excited to be at MCC and to work with a leadership team, faculty and staff who share my longstanding commitment to student success, equity, strategic planning and resource development.”

Most recently, Russell worked as the senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at the City University of New York Kingsborough Community College where she led the college’s 15 academic departments. She was also responsible for all curricular and assessment matters, research, and faculty development; and oversaw all offices and programs supporting student success, high school partnership programs, athletics, student life, student conduct, student wellness and counseling, Access-Ability services and the Child Development Center.

Previously, she was provost fellow for community college access programs and workforce development at the State University of New York System Administration, vice president for academic affairs at SUNY Westchester Community College in New York and chief academic officer at Manchester Community College in Connecticut.

Russell has a bachelor of science in chemistry and a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Connecticut.

Go to mesacc.edu .