Janel Russell-Pendergraft

As the Director of the ASC Academic Operations, Janel leads Advisors in coming up with innovative ways to help students navigate their individual academic journeys.  She offers consisistent support and confident advice, drawing on her over 24 years of service to the university.  Janel has a Masters in Education degree and has spent time leading in the classroom as well, with previous experience as an instructor for introductory University College courses.  In 2007 she was honored with the Provost's Outstanding Academic Advisor Award and in 2015 was recognized again, earning the Provost's Outstanding Academic Advising Administrator Award.  Whether working with students or her colleagues, she always brings a level of professionalism that calls out the best in others and creates an environment where people feel comfortable growing into better versions of themselves.  Janel will humbly deflect her successes to her Advising team, but the ASC and the OU student body is fortunate to have her experience and leadership.