Dr. Ken Russell, a longtime collaborator with the University of Houston’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM), has been appointed the inaugural dean of the School of Business & Innovation at Barton College.
Russell’s connection to UH began in 2011 while he was working at Cisco and building a panel of experts in emerging technologies. He met Dr. Shay Curran, professor of physics and director of the Curran Nanophysics Research Group (CNRG), whose work in solar panel nanocoating aligned with Russell’s interest in Smart Grid and Internet of Things technologies.
That initial collaboration grew into more than a decade of partnership. Russell became an adjunct professor with CNRG, lending his industry expertise to connect UH physics students with career opportunities outside of traditional academic and research pathways. He facilitated experiential learning experiences, including student visits to industry sites, and returned to campus frequently for guest lectures and mentoring.
One highlight, Russell recalls, was giving UH students direct access to professional environments beyond Houston. “The magic was in opening doors for students to see what was possible,” he said. “That kind of exposure changes perspectives and builds confidence.”
Russell said his work with NSM sharpened skills that will be central to his new role at Barton. “We are the sum of all the things we do, and you never know where those experiences will come into play,” he said. “My time at UH reinforced the importance of innovation, measurable outcomes, and creating opportunities that bridge theory and application.”
As dean at Barton, Russell will oversee programs in business administration, accounting, sport management, healthcare administration, and a Master of Business Administration in strategic leadership. He plans to launch new academic and certificate programs in analytics, artificial intelligence, and thoughtful leadership. These efforts are informed by the same principles he embraced at UH.
His leadership model, called LISTEN—learn, interpret, shape, transform, evolve, and nurture—reflects the collaborative, curiosity-driven approach he fosters. “It’s all about connections, conversations, and collaboration,” he said. “That’s exactly what made my time at UH so meaningful.”
Russell holds a bachelor’s degree from Pfeiffer University, a master’s from Duke University’s Divinity School, and a master’s and Ph.D. in education and organizational leadership from Capella University. His most recent book, Transact, Transform, Transcend: Becoming a Thoughtful Leader – Stories from the Journey, has been used in leadership workshops and released as an audiobook.
Looking ahead, Russell hopes to bring the same spirit of innovation and engagement he experienced at NSM to Barton College. “You can be an ‘and’ person—you don’t have to be siloed,” he said. “At UH, I saw how curiosity and collaboration could spark real transformation. That’s the energy I want to carry forward.”