High school sophomores are virtually perfect human beings. At least, that's what Marsha Russell would have you believe.

Having taught at the magnet Liberal Arts Academy at Johnston High School for the last decade, it's clear she enjoys her job. "The most rewarding part of my work is having the opportunity to talk every day with people whom I like about things which I believe are important to contemplate. The process of teaching is my craft, and it is an adrenaline high for me to witness those 'ah-ha¹' moments my students experience now and then."

Seven years ago, Russell pioneered the Advanced Placement (AP) Art History program at the Academy – the first of its kind in Central Texas. More than 200 of her students have taken the AP exam, which earns college credit, and 96 percent have passed. She first introduces her students to art, or "gets them hooked," in their sophomore honors world history course. Many of them go on to take the AP class the following year.

"I had very little knowledge of the visual arts until I came here," she says. "Now I've found a new passion, and it has become one of the intellectual loves of my life. I believe my enthusiasm in the classroom is contagious to students." That enthusiasm is not bound by the classroom. She regularly leads her classes on field trips to all the major art galleries in Texas.

Twice a year, Russell invites Elaine Craddock, associate professor of religion and philosophy at Southwestern, into her class to lead discussions on Hinduism and Buddhism. "If I'm trying to teach concepts of Indian art, virtually all of which is religious in nature, I have to set the stage. Professor Craddock gives them that foundation. She's brought about a lot of interest in my students."

The daughter of a Methodist minister, Russell moved all over the Southwest Texas Conference as a child, settling in places like Austin, San Marcos, Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley. She graduated from Weslaco High School, where she was a member of the All-State Choir for three straight years.

She followed her brother Larry and many of her Methodist youth friends to Southwestern to pursue a music degree in vocal performance. She studied voice with Barbara Thomas, with whom she worked in opera theatre. She also enjoyed working with Kenny Sheppard in University Chorale.

After completing her Bachelor of Music at Southwestern, Russell pursued graduate work in music at the University of Texas, but soon decided to take a different path. "In the midst of that program, I decided I would rather take a more literary route and teach high school. I had been working at the HEB in Georgetown, supervising high school students, and I really enjoyed being around them."

After completing her Master of Arts in English Literature and getting her secondary teaching certification, she went on to teach eighth grade English and history for seven years before moving to her current position at the Academy.

"Southwestern played a major role in teaching me about teaching. Although I did not realize until several years after I graduated that my career would be in the classroom, I know that I have emulated my professors – particularly Ellsworth Peterson and Walt Herbert – in their attitudes toward students, their passion for their material, and many of their specific teaching techniques."

Not surprisingly, several of Russell's former students have come to Southwestern planning to study art history. And while she insists that she is not secretly paid to recruit her brightest students for the University, she does admit with a smile, "That could be arranged!"

-Greg Holland