Gateway faculty selected for CPE Academic Leadership Development Institute

Published on Jun 14, 2021

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education recently announced Chris Russey, assistant professor for math/statistics at Gateway Community & Technical College will be joining professionals from across the state for the Academic Leadership Development Institute (ALDI) this year to prepare for influential roles in higher education.

ALDI provides a series of interactive sessions and small group seminars led by faculty and administrators from across Kentucky and other states. The goal is to create a learning community of early career, underrepresented minority faculty and staff who are on track for professional advancement.

Russey, from Rockford, Illinois, holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science and a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics. He also has a Master of Science in mathematics from Syracuse University and is currently completing his doctorate in education sciences from the University of Kentucky. 

Over his educational and professional career, Russey has received many awards, presented at conferences, participated on panels, facilitated trainings, and served as a motivational speaker. His aim in life is to serve and inspire others towards achieving their dreams.

“Our participants are already leading transformational efforts, and we are excited to invest in their future,” said Travis Powell, vice president and general counsel at CPE. “Equity and inclusion in the campus workforce is fundamental to our goals in higher education, and we want to empower these leaders with as much knowledge and experience possible to drive institutional success.”

CPE established ALDI in 2019 after receiving a $50,000 grant from the Lumina Foundation, which targeted efforts to close outcome gaps in postsecondary education. 

This year’s group includes seven professionals from Kentucky’s four-year institutions and 12 from institutions in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. They were nominated for the yearlong program based on their leadership ability, interest in advancement and dedication to higher education.