Introducing Dr. Todd Russ

Dr. Todd Russ, a new adjunct instructor in MLC’s graduate program, is eager to share his passion for Christian leadership—and his single-minded focus on the ultimate goal of that leadership: that more people see Jesus.

Dr. Russ is teaching Leading the School Community, a required course in the MS Educational Administration program (principal and early childhood director emphases) and an elective in the MS Education program (leadership emphasis).

“Fundamentals of the course,” he explains, “include a focus on climate and culture. A leader can have great plans and rich learning aspirations, but without a positive school climate and culture, success will be limited. People matter, and ministry success is all about those we serve and serve with each day.”

Russ has been leading learning communities for 31 years. He’s served as an upper-grade teacher, athletic director, and principal at three Lutheran elementary schools. At his current ministry, St. Croix Lutheran Academy (SCLA), he’s served as director of Middle School Research and Development, director of the middle school, academic dean, and now president of St. Croix Lutheran Academy.

It was SCLA’s Middle School Project that first brought him to Minnesota. Establishing a middle school on a high school campus was a unique concept among WELS Lutheran high schools. As he recounts the project, he first commends the other leaders who had already laid the groundwork and then asked him to come to the Twin Cities to finish the plan and take it to implementation.

“A team of passionate individuals worked with me on the Middle School Task Force,” he says, “and board members provided clear direction. The result was a comprehensive plan that covered every step of the school startup. That plan was the foundation for the past 13 years of a middle school program that is unique to WELS schools and has served hundreds of students new to Christian education.”

This successful project demonstrates Russ’s leadership gifts, including cooperation and communication, innovation and organization, goal setting and attention to detail—and, most important, focus on the gospel.

But Russ is honest about his failures too. “Failure is a valuable tool. My 31 years of leadership has had its share of them, but through each, new tools were developed, and new priorities were established. In the end, success is in God’s hands, but through discipline, he develops the tools in us to serve.”

MLC is eager for Russ to bring his hard-won wisdom to the graduate students who are preparing for leadership roles. He’s eager too.

“I am passionate about school and organizational leadership,” he says. “The opportunity to speak with current or aspiring leaders about their unique situations will be energizing for me and hopefully for the students as well. It is my goal that the students will gain confidence and the tools needed to navigate the challenges and to maximize the opportunities in their unique ministries.

“Christian leadership,” he concludes, “is about defining the target and empowering the body of Christ to serve. When God’s people work together with a clear, aggressive ministerial purpose, cool things happen and more people see Jesus.”

Meet Dr. Todd Russ

Education

  • BS Education – Dr. Martin Luther College 1991
  • MA Educational Leadership – Concordia University St. Paul 2009
  • EdS Curriculum Instruction and Professional Development – Walden University 2014
  • EdD – Bethel University 2018

Professional Organizations – Past and Present

  • Grace in Action – adjunct and board member (present)
  • Wisconsin Lutheran High School – board member
  • Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Agency – board member
  • WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools – curriculum mapping trainer

Ministries

  • Ocean Drive-Pompano Beach FL, principal and upper-grade teacher (1991-1992)
  • Shepherd of the Valley-Westminster CO, upper-grade teacher and AD (1992-1996)
  • Pilgrim-Menomonee Falls WI, principal and upper-grade teacher (1996-2007)
  • St. Croix Lutheran Academy, director of Middle School Research and Development, director of the middle school, academic dean, and president of St. Croix Lutheran Academy (2007-present)

Family: “I’m married to my high school sweetheart. Sara and I are in our 31st year of marriage. We have been blessed with three children. Sadie resides with Jesus. Tyler is a software engineer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. And my daughter, Sierra, and her husband, Connor, live in the Houston area where she is a public school teacher.”

Congregation: Salem-Stillwater MN

Interests: I love Wisconsin sports, playing golf, and fishing. I’m a big fan of leadership books. My favorite authors are James Collins (Good to Great and others), Simon Sinek (Start with Why and Leaders Eat Last), Tom Rath (Clifton Strengths and Strengths-Based Leadership), and Leonard O. Pellicer (Caring Enough to Lead). I also like a wide range of music genres, from the hair bands of the 80’s to Jimmy Buffet, country, and contemporary Christian.”

Something to ask him about when you see him: “I swam with sharks once—by accident.”

Written by Laurie Gauger-Hested