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Russell Willis has been hired as the executive director for the University of North Georgia's (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) Oconee Campus and will begin the role Jan. 3.

Willis joins Â鶹ÊÓƵ with an extensive career in education and a unique area of expertise that includes working in independent boarding and day schools (PK-12), charter schools, public schools, and universities. 

Most recently, he served as regional campus director at Brenau University's South Atlanta Campus. In addition to running the day-to-day operations of the South Atlanta Campus, he taught organizational leadership, Master of Business Administration foundations, health science, and foundations for academic success. 

"Mr. Willis will bring an incredible wealth of educational knowledge and leadership to our campus community," Dr. Steven Smith, vice president of regional campuses, said. "His vast experience will aid the regional campuses as we continue to provide a student-centered culture to the Â鶹ÊÓƵ community."

Willis holds two Master of Education degrees from Harvard Graduate School of Education (administration, planning and social policy; human development and psychology: adolescent risk and prevention) and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Georgia. He is also a certified career advisor.

"It is truly an honor to join the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Oconee Campus team. The staff, faculty and students made a positive impression on me during my campus visit," Willis said. "I look forward to continuing the tradition of putting students first and working with the local community. I am confident we are going to do great things together."

Willis is a trained diversity, equity and inclusion practitioner and has presented nationwide on topics ranging from achievement-motivation of students of color, survival and adaptation in mainline institutions, and affinity group workshops.

Chair of the Harvard Graduate School of Education Alumni Board, Willis also serves as a mentor for Discover Year, a Canadian gap year program founded by one of his former high school students. 

Dr. Chris Barnes, associate dean of academic administration for the Oconee Campus and associate professor of English, led the search committee. Jerry Sullivan, associate vice president for real estate and auxiliary services, served as the interim executive director over the past several months.