SEMO Alumna Halley Russell Named Missouri Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year

Instead, the Southeast Missouri State University alumna talks about teachers building relationships with students, staff creating a supportive culture, and students knowing someone in the building cares about them.

That people-first approach recently earned Russell statewide recognition as Missouri Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year.

"It was a really humbling experience," said Russell. "Because you don't do it for the accolades. You don't do it for the recognition. You do it because you want kids to feel safe. You want kids to learn, and you want teachers to be able to do their job."

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Russell serves as assistant principal at Terry W. Kitchen Central Junior High School in Cape Girardeau, where she has spent the past four years focused on building a culture rooted in connection, support and student success.

"I don't take it as an award for me," Russell said. "This award is for the students and the staff."

For Russell, leadership is about multiplying impact through the people around her.

"I'm only one person," she said. "Our students see eight different teachers in a given day. Each teacher has to be successful in how they teach kids, but also how they reach kids and build relationships."

That mindset is part of what colleagues say makes Russell an effective leader.

"Halley has a balance of humility and effectiveness," said Sarah Hahn, librarian at Terry W. Kitchen Central Junior High. "She's well supported and well-loved. Actually, well-loved doesn't even cut it."

A native of Litchfield, Illinois, Russell earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education from Southeast Missouri State University in 2008. She later completed a master's degree in educational leadership, a certificate in trauma and resiliency, and an education specialist degree, all from SEMO.

Before moving into administration, she spent 14 years teaching at Jackson High School, an experience she says continues to shape how she leads today.

Russell credits SEMO with helping prepare her to lead with confidence while staying grounded in relationships and service.

"The professors care about where you end up," Russell said. "They know you, they support you, and they want you to be successful."

She said that support helped shape the kind of leader she strives to be for students and educators in her own building.

"Students don't always remember the lessons," Russell said. "They remember that you cared."

By preparing educators who lead with empathy, connection and purpose, SEMO continues to support schools and communities throughout the region. To learn more about SEMO's educator preparation programs, visit semo.edu/education.

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