Education
Russell graduated from Graceland in 1960. He later received a masters of divinity (Master of Divinity) from the Saint Paul School of Theology and a Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa.
Russell graduated from Graceland in 1960. He later received a masters of divinity (Master of Divinity) from the Saint Paul School of Theology and a Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa.
Russell taught at Graceland University for forty-one years, retiring as a professor of history in 2007. He has been a civil rights activist since the 1960s, championing the causes of equality for all regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. Russell served as editor of Courage: A Journal of History, Thought, and Action throughout its entire run from 1970-1973.
He also served as editor of the John Whitmer Historical Association Journal (1984-1985).
Russell"s first book Treasure in Earthen Vessels an Introduction to the New Testament was published in 1966 by Herald Publishing House. This policy change became a reality when women began to be ordained in 1985.
This policy change became a reality with the ordination of West. Grant McMurray in 1996. 1 (Spring 1986): 57. Russell, ""lieutenant Just Wasn"t Working": The Fragmentation of the Reorganized Church" John Whitmer Historical Association Journal Nauvoo Conference Special Edition (2002): 7.
Russell, "A Brief History of the John Whitmer Historical Association" John Whitmer Historical Association Journal Nauvoo Conference Special Edition (2002): 147.
3 (Fall 2003): 61. 4 (Winter 2006): 27. Russell, "Blaming the Victim: The Miscarriage of Justice in the Case of Alice Lundgren," John Whitmer Historical Association Journal Volume 27 (2007): 139.
He was a founding member of the John Whitmer Historical Association and has served as the organization"s president (1977) and executive secretary (1979-1981).