Jeffrey S. Russell

"A career is a lifelong journey. Honor those who helped you reach your potential along the way; aim to, in turn, help others grow and flourish."

Jeffrey Russell was raised in Northeast Ohio where his father ran field operations for a small regional construction contractor. He spent his youth working in construction where he learned the value of hard work, integrity, organization, and leadership. Strongly influenced by his sister, who has Down syndrome, Jeff values the importance of family, the joys of life, and the appreciation of differences and diversity.

While Jeff grew up in Ohio, his family has deep roots in Indiana that have strongly shaped who he is today. His mother grew up in the small town of Waterloo, Indiana, and generations of her Charleston family have been longtime Indiana residents. Founded by Jeff’s grandfather in 1946, the Charleston Metal Projects, Inc, along Route 6, is still operating today.

Jeff currently serves as the Vice Provost for Lifelong Learning, Dean of the Division of Continuing Studies, and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He received his MS and PhD degrees from Purdue University and is a registered professional engineer in Wisconsin.

Jeff has been honored with several national and regional awards and nine best paper awards, including election as an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Distinguished Member and to the National Academy of Construction. He also received the ASCE Outstanding Projects and Leaders (OPAL) Lifetime Achievement Award in Education. He currently serves as president of the Operation Fresh Start Board of Directors. He is also a member of the University of Wisconsin Credit Union Board, the University of Mount Union Engineering Advisory Board, Habitat for Humanity Dane County Land Acquisition Committee, and the United Way Strategic Visioning Committee.

Throughout his career, Jeff has advocated to making engineering education more meaningful and relevant, promoting the elevation of engineering education expectations for tomorrow’s graduates to better prepare them for the challenges of a complex, interconnected world, and to compete more effectively in a global economy.

Jeff always dreamed of attending Purdue, in large part because his dad completed his undergrad in construction technology there (on the six-year plan). Jeff and his wife, Vicki, were newlyweds when they arrived at Purdue’s campus, enjoying just a few days of honeymoon before Jeff jumped into the rigors of graduate classwork. They have now been married for 40 years and have three daughters and two sons.