Kevin Russell, '99, Leads Students, Educators As Downers Grove Superintendent
By Tony Scott
Kevin Russell, '99, is the superintendent of
Downers Grade School District 58.
(Photo credit: Kevin Russell)
Kevin Russell, ’99, knows that being a Huskie is something special.
“A true NIU Huskie is someone who knows success is defined by more than just professional achievement; it is built on a foundation of hard work, deep empathy and the enduring power of relationships,” he said.
Russell currently serves as superintendent of Downers Grove Grade School District 58, which is the same district where he began as a student teacher following his graduation from NIU.
“I am very proud to have the opportunity to lead District 58,” he said. “This district allowed me the opportunity to student teach and then hired me for my first job in education as a teacher. Very few people get to lead the district where they taught. I never take that for granted!”
After teaching in District 58 for seven years, Russell served in administrative roles in districts in Hinsdale and Chicago Ridge before returning to District 58 as superintendent in 2019.
As superintendent, he oversees 13 schools, 5,000 students and 650 staff members in a district with an annual budget of approximately $100 million.
“As superintendent, I work closely with the Board of Education to ensure that the district functions at a high level and that all students succeed academically, emotionally and socially,” he said.
In 2024, he was named a Superintendent of Distinction by the Illinois Association of School Administrators.
“The best part about this recognition is that my fellow superintendents voted for who receives the honor,” he said. “There is nothing better than being recognized by your colleagues - especially given the high level of talent that exists in the state of Illinois in terms of leaders.”
In addition to his roles as an educator and an administrator, Russell is the father of seven children, the oldest a senior in college and the youngest 11 years old and in sixth grade. Sadly, his wife Melissa died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 46.
“I am a single dad who balances a demanding job with a big family. My kids mean everything to me,” he said.
Russell was raised in the same area where he now leads students and educators, growing up in nearby Woodridge and later graduating from Downers Grove North High School. He is one of four children, and two of his siblings are involved in education – one as a dean and the other as a teacher. His parents made education a priority in their household.
“Education was very important to my parents, and they always made sure that I took school seriously and put forth the best effort possible,” he said. “Like many others, my parents made significant sacrifices to help support their children so they could attend college and chase their dreams.”
Russell chose to attend NIU because he wanted a college experience that was close to home and affordable, and at a university with a good reputation. He had several friends who attended NIU and had a chance to visit the campus several times when he was in high school.
He received scholarship support via his fraternity, Phi Sigma Kappa.
“NIU was a perfect match for me in terms of education and building lifelong relationships in my career and personal life,” he said.
Russell lived in the dorms during his freshman year and then moved into the Phi Sigma Kappa house off campus for the rest of his time at NIU. He was actively involved in the fraternity as well as education clubs and intramural sports.
Russell named three professors he had who were mentors to him: Taylor Atkins and Nancy Wingfield in the Department of History and C. Daniel Dillman in the Department of Geography.
“All three professors were outstanding teachers,” he said. “I not only learned important content from these three outstanding professors, but they also served as mentors to me as I navigated earning my degree.”
After earning his bachelor's degree in history and teacher's certification from NIU, Russell went on to earn a Master of Education degree from National Louis University in 2007, an administrative certification from Aurora University in 2007 and a Doctor of Education degree from Aurora University in 2013.
In addition to his role as superintendent, Russell serves as an adjunct professor at the University of St. Francis, primarily teaching doctoral students who are studying education.
Russell learned about the value of relationship building and honing a strong work ethic at NIU.
“One of the biggest lessons I learned at NIU is that relationships matter,” he said. “Whether it was working closely with my professors or meeting new people at NIU, developing strong relationships with people makes a difference. I am grateful for the relationships I built at NIU and am proud to share that I frequently speak with and get together with many people from NIU.”
He continued, “NIU also taught me that hard work pays off. I was fortunate to have so many professors who valued hard work. They helped instill a strong work ethic in me that I carry today as a dad and superintendent.”
This is just one example of how NIU empowers students to become leaders who shape tomorrow's world. Discover how NIU is fortifying our future at niuforward.com.