Russel Family: real-life Hornets' nest

Photo Courtesy of Russell family

Strong family ties among students and faculty at Emporia State are not uncommon; however, having five family members at ESU at the same time is definitely unique to the Russell family.

The Russells began their time at ESU in 1996. Because ESU was ideal in terms of location and boasted impressive faculty, facilities and opportunities, the Russells knew it was the place for them. Consequently, Carol Russell accepted a position in Early Childhood/Elementary Teacher education and became the first of the Russells to become involved in the university.

“I have taught both graduate and undergraduate introductory and methods courses in early childhood/early childhood special education,” said Carol Russell. “I also teach the elementary education diversity class.”

Fletcher Russell became an adjunct professor in the art department shortly after his wife began her teaching career at ESU. Currently, Russell is instructing three sections of art appreciation for the spring semester. His position has allowed his wife to have a strong connection to the art department.

“Fletch has been adjunct faculty in art for most years and I have enjoyed the connection with the art department,” said Carol Russell. “We have had some of the same students.”

When Cassie Russell, the eldest of the Russell children, first selected a university, she chose to attend Baker University in Baldwin, Kan. After graduating with a degree in psychology, Cassie decided to further her education by attending ESU to pursue a master’s degree.

Throughout her graduate studies, Cassie worked as a graduate teaching assistant. After completing graduate school in 2006, Russell began working as an instructor at Baker University. In addition to her classes at Baker, Russell is teaching two graduate online courses through ESU this semester.

While some students would never dream of working where their parents are both employed, Cassie Russell truly enjoyed the experience.

“One semester my mom, my dad, and I were all teaching in Visser and that was fun,” said Cassie Russell. “It was nice to be able to bounce teaching ideas off both my parents.”

Mikelle Russell is the middle daughter of the Russell family. Mikelle decided to attend ESU for many reasons, one of which was the financial stability of living at home. Mikelle is currently in her fifth year at ESU and is close to completing a bachelor’s of fine arts in sculpture. Russell acknowledges that her experience is unique and believes that it has shaped her days here at ESU.

“I think it’s fairly rare for a family of five to all be teaching or attending a university all at the same time,” Mikelle said. “I have had a unique opportunity to have my family so close throughout my college experience.”

Tally Russell is the youngest of the Russell daughters. She graduated from Emporia High School in 2006 and starting at ESU where she is currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education with an emphasis in sign language. Much like her sisters Tally got involved in the university very quickly. She is dedicated to sign language and plays the violin in the orchestra. Her parents and sisters are happy to have Tally here to complete a strong family tradition.

“She is studying Sign Language and early childhood,” said Carol Russell. “The accessibility strength at ESU was factor for her, as she uses a wheelchair. She is having a wonderful experience here.”

This spring, both Cassie and Mikelle will move on from ESU to continue their careers elsewhere. Although the entire Russell Family will no longer be directly involved on campus, all family members plan on maintaining their strong ties to ESU.

“After my graduation my parents will still be teaching here at ESU and my younger sister, Tally, will still be attending ESU,” Mikelle Russell said. “It would be difficult for me not to stay connected to the university after I graduate.”