CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois Associate Athletic Director of Academic Services and Student-Athlete Development Dr. Brian Russell was elected one of three new National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) Region Directors for the 2020-22 term.

Five N4A Region Directors serve a two-year term and actively participate on the Board of Directors led by N4A President Denise Poole. Russell, who will fill one of the three spots up for election, begins his term at the Annual N4A National Convention, June 7-10 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas.

"Congratulations to our newly elected Region Directors and thank you to each of the 12 candidates who participated in our recent Region Director Elections," said Poole. "It was a competitive field and I am humbled by the clear display of passion and willingness to serve. (The three new Region Directors) will bring a tremendous depth of experience and leadership to our Board of Directors which will add value to the Association's collective leadership as we continue to implement the priorities and goals of our new strategic plan. We're thrilled to welcome them to the Board following the 2020 National Convention." 

Russell joined Illinois in August 2018 after a 15-year stint at the University of Tennessee, where he was serving as the Director of Student-Athlete Academic Support Services. A native of Lakeville, Indiana, Dr. Russell holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Notre Dame, a master's degree in college student personnel and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in socio-cultural studies in sport from the University of Tennessee.