Dr. Donn Russell
In Town: Dr. Donn Russell is a faculty member of many talents at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Mo. Originally from Minnesota, Donn has worked at the college for 14 years, and says that his Ozarks accent is improving. He received his doctorate in Agriculture Education from Iowa State, and taught classes there before coming to teach at College of the Ozarks. Donn teaches all of the Agriculture Business Management courses, Shop Technology and Equine Science classes, and he is also the lead instructor and advisor for the Agriculture Education Program. His accomplishments at College of the Ozarks include more than just teaching – Donn established the collegiate FFA club on campus and is now the advisor for the FFA group, as well as for the Ag Ed Club and the Missions Club, a club for students who are interested in using their education degrees in the mission field. Donn also manages the 2,500-student FFA workshop that the college holds annually the first weekend in March.
In the Country: Off campus, Donn manages a herd of five horses at his home in Branson, Mo., three of which are Missouri Foxtrotters. He enjoys the therapeutic effect that horses have to offer. A horseman for most of his life, Donn participates in trail and pleasure riding, and driving single horse rigs. The horses in his care have a pasture-based diet – he implements a rotational grazing program and deworms three times a year, rotating the dewormers as well. Over the years, Donn has also taken a great interest in assisting his fellow agriculture professionals with farm management. “I have always been very involved in helping farmers with farm management problems,” he said. He has co-authored a book titled ‘Entrepreneurship’ on this subject, and also co-wrote a digital farm accounting program called ‘Dollarwise.’ In his spare time, Donn enjoys boating, skiing, softball and traveling.
Advice To Students: “They have to figure out the gifts that God has given them,” Donn said.
