A true unsung hero at Missouri Baptist University, certainly according to the students she has worked with, would be Katie Russell, who after four dedicated years counseling students at MBU, is leaving for new challenges at another area college.
Katie Russell, an academic advisor at Missouri Baptist University, has become a lifeline for countless students, guiding them through academic and personal journeys with unwavering support, heartfelt encouragement and the comforting presence of someone who truly cares.
Russell, a graduate of Truman State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology, later pursued her master’s in school counseling at MBU.
“I liked that the [counseling] program [at MBU] had the accreditation I wanted, and I liked that there was a Christian background too,” said Russell.
Her decision to become an academic advisor was shaped by the positive influence of her own advisors, especially her high school advisor, who first planted the seed for a career in counseling.
While she initially wanted to become a teacher, the classroom experience made her realize that counseling suited her better.
While in her undergraduate program, she had “wonderful caring advisors that took the time to get to know you and care,” Russell said. “It made me want to become that person for others.”
Now, as a counselor and advisor at MBU for the past four years, Russell finds the most rewarding part of her job to be watching students grow.
“Seeing the personal and academic growth of students,” said Russell, who recently left MBU for a position at St. Louis Community College. “So now, it’s like the people that I had when I started are now graduating and everything, so it’s really cool to see them become real adults.”
Russell is particularly moved by the transformations she sees in her students during their time in college.
“College is such a formative experience,” said Russell. “The person you are when you come in as a freshman, you are like a totally new person by the time you finish, and it’s just really cool to see the hard work pay off and be able to see them be proud of themselves and know that they did that.”
One student Russell has had a profound impact on is Lauryn Pyatt, a senior communications studies major at MBU.
“Last year, I was going through a pretty bad mental health flare up, and Miss Russell was one of the most encouraging people on campus that I could turn to,” said Pyatt. “My boss at the time had an idea that I could meet with her on a weekly basis to ensure that I was keeping up with school work, time management skills, and that I just had someone to lean on.”
Pyatt credits those meetings with helping her stay on track both academically and personally during a difficult period, and the two continued meeting throughout the academic year.
“Katie has been an amazing support system for me, and she’s gone above and beyond to be there for her students even though she doesn’t have to,” Pyatt said. “She cares for our hearts, and she’s super intentional. She just really loves people the way that Jesus does, and I think that’s really incredible. She has been a huge asset to MBU.”
Looking to the future, Russell plans to continue developing deep connections to the students she helps at her next school.
“We are more than just academic advisors,” said Russell. “We are able to get to the root of problems and create those relationships with students and help with deeper things. It’s not just about scheduling classes. It’s about investing in the whole person.”
One success story that stands out to Russell is a student who did not believe she would even graduate.
“She struggled a lot, and there was a point in time where she genuinely didn’t think she would graduate. She ended up changing her degree and ended up finding something she was really passionate about,” said Russell. “I believe she ended up getting a job at her intern site, and she is considering a master’s program now, so it was really cool. It’s all the students. You guys are the ones that put in the work, but being able to be there and help guide that along.”
For Russell, it’s not just the formal counseling sessions that matter, but also the informal interactions with students.
“So much of it is just investing your time in people and believing in people,” Russell said. “It only takes one person to change the trajectory of a student’s life.”
She often connects with students outside her office, and they have come to love her for her genuine care.
“I would describe Ms. Russell as a super bubbly, positive and supportive person, and the best advisor ever,” said Antonio Willis, a junior behavior science major at MBU, who reminisced on a story, in which he, a friend and Russell “spent almost an hour talking about her future rich husband. Now, I tease her about it all the time.”
Russell’s impact is a reminder of how powerful a single encouraging voice can be.
“Everybody remembers, like, one professor or teacher who said something horrible to them,” said Russell. “And I think that it’s the same way reverse, where if you have somebody who’s pushing you and believing in you.”
Her advice to anyone working with students? Invest your time, because each student has a unique story and background.
“There are so many of them with complex lives, and investing in people is the best way to help them succeed,” said Russell.
Russell’s dedication and belief in her students have made her a true unsung hero at MBU, and that will undoubtedly continue at her next job, as she shapes the lives of the students she mentors, one conversation at a time.
