NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – For Dr. Brian Russell, teaching has never been just a job, it has always been the ultimate goal.
A Memphis, Tennessee, native who began his teaching career in 1999, Russell joined Tennessee State University in 2007. Over the nearly two decades since, the tenured assistant professor of political science has dedicated himself to helping students navigate government, constitutional law, and civic responsibility. That long-standing commitment was recently recognized when he was named the 2026 Teacher of the Year in the College of Liberal Arts.
The award underscores Russell’s dedication to student success and the vital importance of preparing students to understand their role in society.
“I think civics education is very important,” he said. “My focus is the Constitution, and it’s ceritical that students understand our constitutional system and their role in a democratic society. That’s what drives my work in the classroom every day, engaging young people in how our political system functions.”
While the award celebrates Russell’s classroom impact, he said it also reflects the broader academic environment at TSU, where quality instruction remains a core priority alongside research.
Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, praised Russell’s holistic approach to student mentorship and experiential learning.
“The selection process for Teacher of the Year involves rigorous evaluation of faculty nominations across departments, weighing classroom instruction, student engagement, and professional mentorship,” Morgan-Curtis said. “What sets Dr. Russell apart is his vibrant teaching combined with his stewardship over the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program. He provides students across TSU with direct opportunities to translate learning into professional practice.”
Under Russell’s leadership, TSU consistently places a full cohort of legislative interns each year, offering a proven pipeline into public policy, government, and legal careers.
“This is the true spirit of a liberal arts education,” Morgan-Curtis added. “Preparing students to be active citizens and lifelong learners, with the confidence and skills to apply what they learn in the classroom to the broader world, is what makes Dr. Russell stand out.”
That mentorship left a lasting impression on former students like Mariah Rhodes, now a healthcare corporate attorney. Rhodes credits Russell’s rigorous analytical approach with shaping her professional career.
“You always want a professor who challenges how you think and encourages you to consider different perspectives before reaching a conclusion,” Rhodes said. “That is exactly who professor Dr. Russell is. He constantly challenged our assumptions, teaching us how to think critically, analyze complex issues, and listen to opposing viewpoints.”
Rhodes noted that Dr. Russell’s classes fostered open debate while respecting diverse viewpoints. “As an attorney, I realize how much that experience shaped me, not only in my practice, but in how I navigate conversations every day.”
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.
