Lynn s Russell
Dr. Lynn Russell is the Interim Dean of Health and Natural Sciences at Southwest Tennessee Community College, where she provides strategic leadership for a wide range of allied health and science programs, including nursing, EMS/paramedic, radiologic technology, medical laboratory technology, pharmacy technician, physical therapist assistant, and biotechnology. With an Ed.D. in Higher and Adult Education and more than a decade of progressive leadership in higher education, she is known for her strengths in leadership development, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving that support academic quality and student success.
A registered dental hygienist with decades of experience in clinical practice and education, Dr. Russell previously served as Chair of the Department of Dental Hygiene at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. There, she advanced program development, supported faculty collaboration, and championed rigorous standards in dental hygiene education to ensure graduates are well prepared for licensure and patient care. Her earlier career includes significant work in program design and instructional leadership at Concorde Career Colleges, where she helped develop and implement dental hygiene curricula used across multiple campuses, as well as years of service as a CPR instructor.
Dr. Russell’s professional philosophy centers on integrity, accountability, and a deep commitment to student and community impact. She is passionate about allied health education, accreditation, and continuous program improvement that aligns with workforce and public health needs. An engaged professional leader, she has been active in state and local dental hygiene associations, including serving as president of the Tennessee Dental Hygienists Association, and has been recognized for her mentorship and teaching excellence through multiple professional awards.
• Strategically Managing Business, Public Affairs, and Public Policy
• University of Memphis
• Christian Brothers University
• Outstanding Dental Hygiene Student Mentor
• Golden Apple Awards
• Memphis Dental Hygienists Association
• Tennessee Dental Hygienists Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination and a strong work ethic, along with the steady encouragement I received from my father. He always told me, “You can do whatever you want to do,” and that belief shaped how I approached challenges and opportunities throughout my life. His confidence in me helped me build my own—and keep moving forward, even when the path felt difficult.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was simple but powerful: “You can do anything you want; a little perseverance, a little hard work, and you’ll get there.” That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career, reminding me that progress comes from consistency, effort, and believing that goals are achievable with dedication.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to be fully prepared: the programs are rigorous, clinical work is demanding, and licensing requires mastery of two full years of training. Don’t take shortcuts—thorough preparation is essential for both patient safety and your professional competence. You can do this, but commitment and diligence are key.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is inspiring and motivating a new generation of students while maintaining high educational standards. There’s also a growing concern with fast-tracked training models that risk producing clinicians who aren’t fully prepared to recognize or treat disease—so upholding rigorous, comprehensive training is both a challenge and an opportunity to strengthen the profession.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and integrity are the values I hold most important, both in my professional work and in my personal life. They guide how I lead, teach, and interact with others, ensuring trust and accountability in everything I do.