Jeffrey Russell

Dr. Jeffrey S. Russell, PhD, PE, F NSPE, Dist. M.ASCE, NAC, dean of the Division Continuing Studies and vice provost for lifelong learning, strives to uphold the University of Wisconsin–Madison as a global leader in service to lifelong learners, focusing on high academic standards, emerging technologies, organizational effectiveness, diversity and inclusion, and mentorship of future leaders.

A registered professional engineer in Wisconsin, Jeff is a professor of civil and environmental engineering for the College of Engineering. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Cincinnati and master’s and doctoral degrees from Purdue University.

Among his awards and achievements, Jeff is especially proud of receiving the National Science Foundation’s Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, awarded by the President of the United States for his work mentoring women pursuing careers in the construction industry.

Jeff learned the value of hard work growing up in a construction family where his father ran field operations for a small regional contractor in Ohio. He spent his youth working in construction, where he also learned the value of integrity and organization. Deeply influenced by a sister with Down syndrome, Jeff values family, the simple joys of life and the importance of respecting and supporting differences and diversity.