Russell receives distinguished service citation

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COLUMBIA, Mo., April 15, 2026 – The Missouri FFA Association recognized Dr. Donn Russell with the Distinguished Service Citation at the 98th Missouri State FFA Convention. Russell was honored for his outstanding service to agriculture, agricultural education and the Missouri FFA Association.

Dr. Russell, a pioneer in agriculture, started the agricultural education program at the College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout in 2000. At that time it was the only agricultural education program in a private christian university in the United States. Dr. Russell retired in 2025 from the College of the Ozarks after 25 years of service.

A Minnesota native, Dr. Russell received an associate of arts degree from Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Worthington, Mn. He received a bachelor of science, master of science and PhD from Iowa State University, Ames, Ia.

Dr. Russell directed the newly created FFA chapter at College of the Ozarks, which soon became the largest student organization on campus. He also directed the annual College of the Ozarks judging workshops and became an avid volunteer, helping judge numerous speaking events during his tenure.

Dr. Russell is a recipient of the Honorary State FFA Degree from the Missouri FFA Association and the Honorary American FFA Degree. He received the National Association of Agricultural Educators state and national outstanding service awards. He also received the College of the Ozarks Five-Fold Mission Award and received the Top Teacher Award by Pioneer Hybrid Computer Division.

Dr. Donn Russell resides in Branson, Missouri, with his wife Vickie. They have two sons.

The Missouri FFA has 27,000 members representing 369 chapters. The national organization has more than 1,042,245 members representing 9,407 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

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