GREENVILLE, S.C. – Furman's Dr. Tim Patrick and Maya Russell have been named to the All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team, which was announced today by the league office. Two representatives each from all 10 member schools were recognized by the league.
While the selections were left up to each institution's discretion, the recipients all shared the common characteristics of demonstrated service to the institution and contributions to campus life and the local community. Faculty members selected have demonstrated strong contributions to teaching, research and/or service, while staff members are being recognized for bringing out the best in others and creating conditions for success.
"These outstanding faculty and staff members exemplify the excellence and commitment that define the Southern Conference. Their dedication to mentorship, teaching, leadership and service, their contributions to their institutions, and their positive impact on students and communities make them truly deserving of this recognition," said SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross. "We are proud to celebrate each of these dedicated individuals who go above and beyond in their roles and help make each SoCon campus a special and exceptional place."
After graduating from Furman in 1985, Patrick returned to his alma mater in 1992 and has spent over three decades as a professor in the health sciences department. He has taught a variety of undergraduate courses throughout his 33-year tenure, specializing in anatomy and physiology and cardiovascular physiology. Patrick has also taught graduate courses in research methods and human anatomy and physiology. His research interests have focuses on cardiovascular responses to resistance exercise, resistance exercise and post-exercise metabolism, and work economy during cycling. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Furman and earned both his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in kinesiology from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Patrick enjoys a variety of outdoor activities outside the classroom, including cycling, hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing reflecting his passion for physical fitness and the natural world. He and his wife, Julie, have three children: Brynn, John, and Lauren.
Russell is a pre-law advisor in Furman's Office of Pre-Professional Advising and serves as the advisor to the Pre-Law Society and Co-President of Quaternion Senior Order. The chair of the Pre-Law Advisor National Council, Russell received her JD from the University of North Carolina School of Law, MA from the University of Montana, and BA from New York University. Prior to joining Furman, she served as an attorney for the United States District Court for the Districts of Wyoming and South Carolina. She is licensed to practice law in the states of Washington, Colorado, and Wyoming. Russell met her husband, Brook (a statistician at Clemson University), in her hometown of Perth, Australia. She enjoys watching her children play volleyball and basketball.
The complete list of SoCon faculty and staff recipients include: Dr. Len Annetta (The Citadel), Erin Leonard (The Citadel), Dr. Scott Jenkinson (ETSU), Chuck Patton (ETSU), Natalia H. Cardelino (Mercer), John T. Steele (Mercer), Dr. Janet Boseovski (UNCG), Jessica Quattrucci (UNCG), Dr. Niya Pickett Miller (Samford), Cindy Kennington (Samford), Dr. Betsy Myers (Chattanooga), Brandalyn Shropshire (Chattanooga), COL Jeff Smith (VMI), MAJ Isaac Slone (VMI), Dr. Rangika Hikkaduwa Koralege (Western Carolina), Suzanne Melton (Western Carolina), Dr. Stacey Hettes (Wofford), and Mark Olencki (Wofford).
Patrick and Russell will be recognized on February 1, 2026, when the Paladin men's basketball team hosts Chattanooga.
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