By Brendan O’Reilly

J. Stephen Russell, the dean of the University’s Honors College who helped launch the school, is stepping down.

In an e-mail addressed to the Honors College community, Russell revealed he had resigned from his position. He will continue as dean until Aug. 31 then return to the English department.

“In the past few years, the role of the dean at Hofstra has evolved from involvement in the everyday operation of the college to focus more on ‘external’ areas such as networking and fundraising,” Russell wrote. “I resigned when it became clear to me that I could not change my focus to these areas without undercutting the academic and advisement parts of my job.”

Russell said had the function of the dean not changed, he would have liked to continue in the position.

“The provost has assured me that the University’s commitment to Honors College is as strong as ever, and he is committed to finding a new dean who will be able both to do my job and the external duties as well,” he added.

Russell has been with the University since 1983, when he joined the English department. When Honors College opened in 2001, Russell became acting co-dean with Prof. Warren Frisina. In 2003, he was appointed dean and has served in the position ever since.

“[Honors College] grew to become a tremendous success under his leadership,” said Neil Donahue, associate dean of Honors College.

Russell said one of his fondest memories of his tenure as dean was commencement in May 2005, when Honors College’s first four-year students graduated. “There was a real sense that we had arrived.” He also said he was surprised by how many incoming students were siblings of Honors College alumni. He found that as an indicator that the school has “got to be doing something right.”

“Our reputation is growing,” said Russell, citing that the college exceeded its enrollment goal in fall 2006, even though incoming students are no longer granted extra scholarship money for joining Honors College.

Originally, students accepted into the college received a scholarship offer, but Russell decided to do away with it. The dean said students should be in the college because of the program it offers and not financial incentives. The scholarship was an inducement to attract students to the college when it was brand new, he explained, but since the school established itself it was no longer needed. “The best bank in town doesn’t give away toasters,” said Russell.

Russell said he will miss teaching Culture and Expressions, a 12-credit program which many Honors College students opt to take their freshman year. He will also miss working with the students and faculty. On the contrary, Russell said he will not miss “wearing a suit everyday.”

Laura Giunta, a senior was Russell’s student in three courses, and he is her adviser for her honors thesis. “He is one of the most amazing professors I’ve ever had,” said Giunta.

Most Honors College students never sit in the same classroom with Russell, but they are still familiar with him.

“After Dean Russell leaves, Honors College will seem like a less lively place,” said Senior Kathleen Hunker. “He’s become the face of Honors College.”

In an inter-office memorandum, the Human Resources Department announced that the position is available. The department wrote that the dean is responsible for faculty, student and curricular matters, fundraising and recruitment.

Applicants for the position “should possess a terminal degree in the liberal arts together with significant teaching experience and a publication record.” The memorandum went on to say desired qualifications also include administrative experience and strong interpersonal skills.

J. Stephen Russel, pictured in his office, has resigned as dean of Honors College effective August 31. He will join the English department again, where his career at Hofstra began in 1983.