Dr. Mark Russell began his career with animal science degrees from Cornell University (BS) and the University of Illinois (MS and PhD). After serving as the Horse Extension Specialist at Illinois and Purdue, he taught 18 different animal sciences courses and expanded the curriculum, which positioned students to use their technical information by applying it to real-world problem-solving experiences—focusing on team collaboration and effective community engagement. Over the last 15 years he has become most known for his focus on extension methods, leadership development, and intercultural effectiveness outcomes through service learning and travel courses where his students have learned informal educational engagement strategies in many international work settings, including Ecuador, Romania and Haiti. He is passionate about students discovering a worldview of cultures beyond their comfort zone and became the Head of the Department of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication in the College of Agriculture in 2015.
Education
Ph.D. in Animal Sciences, 1982, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL
M.S. in Animal Sciences, 1979, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL
B.S. in Animal Sciences, 1975, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Department ResponsibilitiesAdministrative leader, listener, facilitator, and advocate
Courses Teaching
AGR 49000 – International Development Strategies Labs – Ghana and Haiti
ANSC 49400 – Animals & Food Security: International Service Learning in Haiti
EPICS HDEV - Haiti Development
AGR 59500 – International Engagement and Development Strategies
ANSC 10200 – Introduction to Animal Agriculture, 2010-2014
ANSC 18100 - Orientation to Animal Sciences, 2000-2015
HONRS 19900/ANSC 29500 – Animals in Global Cultures, 2009-2015
ANSC 20100 – Functional Anatomy and Animal Performance, 1993-2009
ANSC 28100 – Career Planning Seminar, 1987-2006
ANSC 29400 – Exploring International Animal Agriculture, Maymester study tour 2000-2009
ANSC 37200 – Horse Evaluation, 1997-2015
ANSC 38100 - Leadership for a Diverse Workplace, 2000-2015
ANSC 39300 – Animal Industry Travel Course, 1988-present in odd-numbered years-2015
ANSC 44000 – Horse Management, 1982-2014
ANSC 49400 – Animals & Food Security: International Service Learning Maymester, 2010 – 2015
EPICS 10100-40200 – Haiti Agricultural Development (HDEV), 2011–2015
ANSC 47200 – Horse Judging Team, 1997-2009
VCS 83600 – Clinical Nutrition of Large Animals I, 1997-2014
YDAE 49100 - Serving Agricultural Communities, 2006-2007,
YDAE 59100 – International Education & Engagement. 2005-2007.
AGEX 410 – Agricultural Extension and Communication Skills, 1996, University of New England, NSW,
Professional Service
Planning committee member for the Innovations in Education: An Animal Science Curriculum for the 21st Century, ASAS Innovate 2015, Braselton, GA
Editorial Board for the NACTA Journal Editorial Board member, 2011-present
Editorial Board for the Journal of Leadership Educators, 2009-present
Eastern Regional Director, North American Colleges & Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) 2012-14
Section Editor of the “Globalization: Implications for teaching and learning” special issue, Sept., 2013
Chair and co-chair of the NACTA International Committee, 2010-2013
Conference Chairman, VP, and then President of the Association of Leadership Educators.2008-2012
Teaching and Learning in the Animal Sciences, Challenging Old Assumptions and Break New Ground for the 21st Century, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2012
Chairman of committee for the Horse Industry Handbook: A Guide to Equine Care and Management,
Chairman of committee, NCR 4-H Horse Manuals which are now the National 4-H Horse Curriculum,
Founder and chairman of AHC Horse Industry Leadership Workshops – 1990-2006
Chairman Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup – 1988-90
Research Interests
leadership development competencies and assessment strategies
intercultural effectiveness outcomes of co-curricular and learning abroad courses
extension/engagement methods and community development