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Vera Jean Russell

April 27, 2004

Vera Jean Russell, assistant professor emerita of education and professional development at Western Michigan University, died April 4 in Kalamazoo. She was 84.

Jean Russell joined the WMU faculty in 1954 as a supervising teacher in the nursery at Western's Campus School. Beginning in 1969, she served as coordinator of student teaching and, in 1979, as coordinator of program operation in the College of Education. She retired with emerita status in January 1980. She was a member of the Michigan Association for Student Teaching, the Association for Teacher Educators and other professional organizations.

Russell received a bachelor's degree in education in 1942 and a master's in 1962, both from WMU. While an undergraduate student, she met her future husband, Norman K. Russell, who was majoring in aviation technology at WMU. They were married in 1942. Norman Russell was also a longtime member of WMU faculty. He retired in 1982 and preceded Jean in death in 1990. All three of their children attended the Campus School and graduated from University High School.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Friends of Historic East Campus, c/o WMU Foundation, Kalamazoo MI 49008-5403.

Media contact: Thom Myers, 269 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu

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