Dr. Raymond Russin passed away on November 6, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by academic rigor and a deep commitment to community service, KSAL News reported.
The 82-year-old educator’s life spanned from the streets of New York City to the academic halls of Kansas and Nebraska, marking a journey of continuous learning and mentorship. His career was not merely about titles or research, but about the practical application of knowledge to improve the lives of those around him.
From the laboratory to the ambulance, Russin embodied a rare intersection of intellectual pursuit and hands-on civic duty. He moved through the worlds of experimental psychology and emergency medical services with the same level of dedication, proving that a life of the mind is most meaningful when paired with a life of service.
A lifetime of academic and scientific achievement
Born on January 25, 1944, in New York City, Russin’s academic path began with a shift from medicine to the complexities of the human mind. After earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology from the University of Bridgeport, he pursued a Ph.D. in Research and Experimental Psychology at Colorado State University.
His contributions to the field of psychology were recognized early by major scientific bodies. In 1979, he earned a National Science Foundation award for his work developing an undergraduate laboratory in experimental psychology at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. This commitment to infrastructure for learning continued in 1985, when he received a second National Science Foundation grant for Laboratory Development in Physiological Psychology while serving at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas.
Russin’s influence extended into higher education administration, where he shaped institutional directions as a Vice President of Academic Affairs. He held this leadership role at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina starting in 2001, and later at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, in 2006. Even after the closure of Dana College, his passion for teaching remained undimmed as he transitioned to remote mentoring through Northcentral University in 2011.
Beyond the lecture hall, his research focused on cognitive control, memory, and chemistry curriculum development. He was particularly known for his mentorship within the Southwestern Psychological Association, often traveling with students to professional conventions to help them present their own research.
Service to faith and community
For Russin, service was a practical necessity rather than a hobby. While living in Lindsborg, he earned his Emergency Medical Technician certification and became a member of the local volunteer ambulance service, later teaching EMT, First Aid, and CPR courses throughout the state of Kansas.
His spiritual life was equally foundational. He served as a councilman for All Saints Orthodox Church in Salina until 2006, and following his move to Nebraska, he became a devoted member and Reader at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Omaha. His civic involvement also included serving on the Good Shepherd Nursing Home Board in Blair.
In his private life, Russin found solace in the natural world and the craft of woodworking. He was an avid birdwatcher who frequently visited the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge to observe bald eagles, and he took great pride in hand-crafting wooden toys for his grandsons. He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Bookless and Heather House, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
From 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, visitors may pay their respects at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Omaha, Nebraska, with a Trisagion Prayer Service following at 6:30 p.m. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at 11:00 a.m. at the same church.
On Monday, November 16, between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., a second visitation will be held at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, Kansas. The final graveside committal service will be held on Tuesday, November 17, at 1 p.m. at Gypsum Hill Cemetery in Salina.
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