Nancy Russell retired after 30 years of service to St. Petersburg College with her last 16 years dedicated to the College of Computer and Information Technology (CCIT).

Russell received her bachelor’s degree in Library Science from Illinois State University in 1972 and worked for 13 years as a librarian at the East Moline Public Library in Illinois.

She began her career at St. Petersburg College in 1985, working part time as a Clerical Assistant in the Industry Services Department. In 1987, she worked with Susan Demers to complete the American Bar Associate accreditation process.

Russell’s passion for working with students led to a promotion in 1997 when she became an Academic Advisor for the Business Technologies Department (now known as CCIT). She was promoted again in 2000 to Academic Coordinator in the department, a position she holds today.

“I love every minute of it,” said Russell during a recent Board of Trustee’s meeting where she was honored for her service. “I’m losing a large chunk of my family because you all are my family.”

While working for the College of Computer Technology she set up and maintained the H1B grant, the Sector Grant, and the HITT grant, advised all students in technology certificate programs, A.S. degree programs, and the BAS degree program, coordinated registration of internship students and assisted the Dean with the Guaranteed Academic Schedule.

Nancy will be missed in the College of Computer and Information Technology. The advising work she did for students and the faculty members have been instrumental in the growth of the department over the years. No matter what project she was working on she would drop what she was doing to advise a student really going the extra mile to ensure student success.

An active member of the Association of Florida Colleges, Russell served as SPC Chapter President, Membership Chair and Site Representative.  She served as an Exemplary Practice Judge for the Curriculum Commission for two years and received the Unsung Hero award from the SPC chapter in 2002 and Unsung Hero award from Region IV in 2003. In 1988 she was voted as an honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa and served on the Clearwater Campus Career Employee Council for two years.

An avid volunteer, Russell also gave time over the years to a variety of causes including Dollars for Scholars Thrift Store where she served on the Board of Directors including the role of President from 2011-13; Women on the Way; church activities including Feeding America, sack lunches for Tent City, coordination of Operation Christmas Child collections; and Kimberly Home Thrift Store.

Since 2000, she has been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma’s Gamma Chapter, an International Women Educators Society, and has served as treasurer for 15 years. She is also currently serving as the First Vice President for the local chapter.