Eric J. Russell

Eric J. Russell is a professor at Utah Valley University in the Department of Emergency Services. His writings and research involve homeland security education’s influence, aviation emergency services, and servant leadership’s influence on organizations and individuals. He is an author and researcher with over 80 peer-reviewed and trade publications and three books: The Desire to Serve: Servant Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services, In Command of Guardians: Executive Servant Leadership for the Community of Responders, and The Aviation Fire Officer Reference.

His work has appeared in Crisis Response, Fire Engineering, Firehouse, the Aviation Fire Journal, and Leadership Excellence. Eric has spoken and consulted nationally and internationally about servant leadership, aircraft rescue and firefighting, emergency services operations, and homeland security. He serves as the point of contact and subject matter expert for the U.S. Fire Administration’s Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Management courses. 

Academia is Russell’s second act. He retired early as a captain from the Department of Defense and U.S. Air Force (USAF) Fire and Emergency Services with combined USAF Active Duty, USAF Reserves, and Department of Defense service. 

Russell’s graduate education consists of a doctorate of education in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, a master of science in Executive Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University, and a master of science in Counterterrorism from Nichols College.