Jada Russell
Executive Director of Enrollment Management and Assistant Professor of Practice
Biography
Jada Johnson Russell, PhD (UT ’20), MPH (UT ’10), BS (UT ’08) is a distinguished three-time graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, concentrating in Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, followed by a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Education. She later earned her PhD in Higher Education Administration, focusing her research on student success for all students.
Russell’s passion for higher education was ignited during her tenure as an Academic Coach at the Student Success Center. This experience led her to pursue a doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of Enrollment Management and Assistant Professor of Practice with the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Throughout her career, Russell has been actively involved in numerous professional associations, including NACADA (The Global Community for Academic Advising) and its local chapter TennACADA. Russell’s dedication to student success is evident through her extensive work on various projects and presentations. She has co-authored several significant works, such as “Innovation and Inspiration: Early Intervention for Academic Success in Nursing” and “Bridging Opportunity: Good Jobs for Nurses in the Delta,” which received a $1.4 million grant from the Department of Labor.
Her professional experience includes roles as an instructor for courses for first year students, university honors and leadership studies. Russell has presented at numerous conferences both nationally and internationally, addressing topics such as transfer-friendly colleges, underrepresented populations in STEM majors, culturally responsive academic advising, and strategies for supporting academic journeys.
In addition to her academic roles, Russell is deeply committed to community service. She serves on the boards of Gennisi Charitable Birth Services, Healthy Families with McNabb Center, and the Tennessee Health Department Community Health Council. Russell’s current research focuses on providing access to higher education for all populations.
Her favorite quote is “Live, Laugh, Love,” reflecting her positive outlook on life and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.