Gary Russi

Recently retired from the role of president of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, Gary Russi secured measurable improvements in all areas of organizational operations while the active leader of the school. During his 18 years as president, Russi increased enrollment from 13,600 to 20,000 with an increased average standardized test score. To better serve the University’s growing population, Gary Russi recruited highly accomplished faculty members and expanded the degree-granting programs available at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. This correlated with the expansion of professional education programs, to include the development of an allopathic medical school program, a physicians' assistant program, and several joint projects with institutions across the region in law and pharmacy.

Also attentive to the student experience outside the classroom, Gary Russi added 62 student organizations as well as eight club sports teams and two Greek organizations. He raised the athletic teams' standing from National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II to Division I and played a key role in more than 100 high-profile championship wins. Russi also strengthened funding on multiple levels, including research grant funding and the completion of the University's first capital campaign. He has left the University well-placed for continued growth toward standing as a leading research institution.