Stanley Russ ’04 was first elected to the Arkansas Senate in 1975, served as president pro tem of the Senate from 1995-97 and was elected Senate majority leader in 1997.
His leadership in the Arkansas Senate was instrumental in furthering the cause of both public and higher education. He had a keen insight into the needs of Arkansas and his understanding of the role education plays in the economic and social development of the future of Arkansas and its people.
Russ led with highly principled behavior, courageous honesty and significant achievements. He was selected as one of only 30 community leaders from throughout the United States to attend the National Education Summit as a resource person on educational issues in 1996.
Russ distinguished himself in service through his tenure as chairman of the Foothills District of Boy Scouts of America and president of the Conway Chamber of Commerce, Faulkner County United Way, Conway Kiwanis Club, Future Farmers of America, among the many other service organizations to which he belonged. Russ devoted his life to serving the public interest in an exemplary manner. In recognition of his role in the community, Russ was awarded the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award in 1986, the Counseling Associates Community Leadership Award in 1996, the Conway Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Fellow in 1997 and the Charter Faulkner County Leadership Award in 1997.
Among the many accolades received during his career, Russ was named one of the “Ten Outstanding Legislators in the United States” in 1981.
The honorary Doctor of Public Service was conferred to Russ on Feb. 20, 2004.