Meet our board of Education Continued Beverly Russell has proved herself to be a jack-of-all-trades with her travels around the world, teaching in various environments and bring her worldly knowledge to a primarily male board of education. She attended Western Oregon University where she earned her bachelor of science degree in education and master of science of degree in education. Russell has served as a first and fifth grade teacher in Malaysia while in the Peace Corps and a substitute teacher in the Gresham area. She has also performed as a travel agent for 16 years to serve her passion for traveling and traveled to many countries with her husband before his death in February. “Me and Ron loved to travel,” said Russell. “We thought that was the ideal.” Russell and her husband felt a passion for Mt. Hood Community College for many years. That was one factor that drove her to run for her husband’s spot on the board, to “continue the legacy to help Mt. Hood.” Russell earned her spot when she was approved by the board in May 2006. Russell is focusing much of her attention on the upcoming bond measure. As a chairman of the speakers bureau for the bond measure, Russell spends many nights calling voters and asking for their support and vote in the November elections. “If we can get this bond measure passed, I would be so happy,” said Russell. “ I have made I don’t know how many phone calls trying to get places where we can go and present information about the bond measure.” She hopes that people will see how important education can be to a financially successful future and to recognize the difference in salary after earning a degree. Russell also remembers her struggles as a student and can relate. “I know it’s not the easiest thing to do all the time because I remember how it was when we were in college and we didn’t have any money, how are we going to make this and how we’re going to survive,” said Russell. “If you keep at it and get that degree, it will pay off.” As the days dwindle down to the Nov. 7 deadline for voting, Russell gives the extra shove for support of the measure. She voices the advantages. “[I want to] make it more realistic to people,” said Russell. “[I want to] get the word out that all these things are available at the college. I would love to have a lot more people be aware of what is available at Mt. Hood.”
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