A few hundred Columbia College students, faculty members, alumni and community members lined the sidewalk for Friday’s clap-out ceremony for retiring President Dr. David Russell.
His last day was Friday, after serving as president for more than five years. President Russell spoke to 939 the Eagle News just before the ceremony and he gives a lot of credit to his staff:
“And I have a absolutely superb group of people who are experts in their fields. They’re constantly figuring out new ways for us to do things. They’re in touch with today’s students and their parents,” Dr. Russell says.
Russell says they also do a great job selling Columbia College. Former State Rep. Joe Driskill (D-Doniphan), who is also a former Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) director, notes Dr. Russell served as chief of staff for nine UM presidents and as Missouri’s Commissioner of Higher Education, before leading Columbia College.
Dr. Russell says higher education has to overcome financial issues and challenges, telling 939 the Eagle that Columbia is fortunate to have the University of Missouri, Stephens College, MACC and Columbia College:
“Some of our neighboring institutions may have something that our students can use. So we’re beginning to work on partnerships that allows us to pool our resources in effect without giving up any of our independence,” he says.
Dr. Russell’s wife, Lee Russell, joined her husband at Friday’s clap-out ceremony. She tells 939 the Eagle that it’s bittersweet:
“I’m glad I’m going to get my husband back but we’re going to miss all of this and all of these people. But they made us honorary alumni so we get to come back for all the alumni stuff and all the fun stuff. He just doesn’t have to work,” she says.
Columbia College’s new president is Dr. Toby Arquette, who started Sunday.