About Russell
Experience
Russell Yost, APR is Senior Director for Marketing and Communications at the University of Washington's College of Arts and Sciences, leading communications efforts for the UW's largest academic unit. In his role Russell develops communication strategies to support advancement, student recruitment and outreach, and general visibility for the College.
Russell brings 18 years of experience in higher education communications, has worked for PR and marketing agencies in Oregon, and has served as a legislative assistant in the Oregon State House and Senate. During his 14 year tenure at Willamette University, Russell served as a communications director, associate vice president and Chief Communications Officer for the university, reporting to the President.
Education and Training
Russell has presented at regional and national conferences, including the PRSA International Conference (2019) and CASE District VIII conference (2007, 2010 and 2020). He is currently a member of the faculty for the CASE Annual Conference on Marketing and Branding. He was a Contributing Assistant Professor at Willamette University, teaching integrated marketing communications at the graduate level from 2008-2014.
Russell is a long-time member of PRSA, having served as President of the Oregon Capital Chapter and a member of the Board of PRSA Portland (both chapters are now part of PRSA Oregon). He served a 6-year term as a member of the Executive Committee for PRSA’s Counselors to Higher Education section and chaired the group’s Senior Summit in 2020. He holds an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and has a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University and master’s degree from Willamette University. He earned a Master Teacher certificate from Georgia State University in 2009.
Awards
- PRSA Bronze Anvil Award, "UW College of Arts and Sciences: Find Yourself Here," 2021 (watch video)
- PRSA Silver Anvil Award, "Willamette University: The Phenomenon on the Lawn," 2018 (more information)
- Portland Business Journal "Forty Under 40"
- Administrator of the Year, Willamette University AGSM
- Portland Business Alliance Volunteer Recognition
- American Marketing Association Oregon President's Award
- PRSA Portland Spotlight Awards
- Higher Education Marketing Journal Gold Award
Pictured: Russell celebrates the Silver Anvil Award for Willamette University's eclipse event, Times Square, 2018.