TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
O n October 10, 2023, Texarkana College (TC) held the grand opening of the Dr. James Henry Russell STEM Complex. The naming of the complex is a well-deserved honor, as James Henry Russell (JHR) has spent his life endeavoring to make Texarkana the best place to live, work, and raise a family. It was a day full of celebrating Texarkana College’s beautiful state-of-the-art complex and the amazing opportunities available for TC students. After graduating from Texas A&M University– College Station, JHR turned down a job offer in New York State and returned to Texarkana. After earning
JHR is a role model who does not ask anyone to do something he would not do himself. During his first day at TISD in 1994 as food service comptroller, he found himself wearing a hairnet and working in the school cafeteria because the district had just started a new electronic lunch pay system. He experienced firsthand the importance of the food service workers and all employees who make sure children are ready to learn. JHR has the gift of leadership, making sure everyone knows his appreciation for the important jobs they do. During the grand opening of the James Henry Russell Stem Complex, George Moore, Vice-President of the Texarkana College Board of Trustees, spoke about the character and integrity
his Certified Public Accounting (CPA) license while working at Thomas & Thomas, CPAs, he started a career focused on public education. JHR served over 25 years
he has witnessed in JHR since he was a young boy in his middle school biology class. “James Henry is the exact same
in education, including 19 years at Texarkana Independent School District (TISD) and six years as president of Texarkana College.
person who sat in my classroom,” he said, “as the person he is today. He was always hardworking and had
that integrity and character that very few people have today. I want to thank him because that means so much.”
photo by Matt Cornelius
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