Profile
Dr. Joanne Russell joined Mesa Community College as Vice President of Academic Affairs in 2024, bringing more than 25 years of distinguished leadership in both faculty and administrative roles within higher education.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Russell served as Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the City University of New York (CUNY) Kingsborough Community College. In this capacity, she provided strategic leadership for the college's 15 academic departments and was responsible for curriculum development, academic assessment, research initiatives, and faculty development. She also oversaw a broad portfolio of student support services, including student success programs, high school partnerships, athletics, student life, conduct, wellness and counseling services, disability services, and the Child Development Center.
Before her tenure at Kingsborough, Dr. Russell was a Provost Fellow for Community College Access Programs and Workforce Development at the State University of New York (SUNY) system administration. In that role, she collaborated with SUNY's community colleges to advance access, student success, degree completion, and workforce readiness. Her previous leadership positions also include Vice President for Academic Affairs at SUNY Westchester Community College and Chief Academic Officer at Manchester Community College in Connecticut.
Throughout her career, Dr. Russell has been a committed advocate for access, strategic planning, and resource development. She has led numerous grant-funded initiatives aimed at improving student access, retention, and completion. She is one of 31 leaders chosen nationwide for the 2022-23 class of Aspen Rising Presidents Fellows.
Dr. Russell holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Doctorate in Biochemistry, both from the University of Connecticut.