Jana Russell
Professional Background
Jana Russell is one of the faculty members in the School of Business at OKWU, where she enjoys mentoring and advising students as they prepare for their future careers. Before transitioning to academia, she spent 28 years in the corporate sector, primarily in the Oil and Gas industry. Her expertise spans facilities management, finance, executive design, office planning, contractor liaison, procurement, warehouse management, safety, unclaimed property, and accounts receivable. Throughout her career, she has worked in service-oriented roles, driven by a passion for helping others. She holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from Oklahoma State University. Now, at OKWU, she finds joy in serving students, particularly through one-on-one advising, where she helps guide them toward their goals.
Classes Taught (Faculty)
- Professional Career Development
- Organizational Behavior
- Negotiation Strategy
- Servant Leadership
Publications or Presentations (Faculty)
- Book: From Stumbling to Soaring: Lose your job, Find your future, Grow your faith
- OKWU: Unlocking the Power of Emotional Intelligence: CESB Faculty Panel
- IFMA National Conference: Mega Merger Mania presentation describing the challenges and learnings of the Conoco and Phillips merger from a facilities perspective.
- OSHA VPP National Conference: Achieving Start Status in an office complex. The process of being the first office complex to achieve start status at ConocoPhillips.
How does your work contribute to OKWU’s mission?
At Oklahoma Wesleyan University, I have the privilege of equipping future servant leaders by teaching courses that shape their character, leadership, and professional skills. Through Servant Leadership, I help students understand the biblical foundation of leading through service, modeling Christ’s example. In Personal Career Development, I guide students in discovering their God-given talents and preparing for careers that allow them to serve others with excellence. Negotiation Strategy teaches students to engage in ethical, value-driven negotiations that align with Christian principles. Organizational Behavior helps them understand how to foster healthy, servant-hearted workplaces.
Beyond the classroom, I invest in students through one-on-one advising and mentoring, supporting their academic, professional, and spiritual growth. I also enjoy attending student events—whether on the field, stage, or elsewhere—because I believe showing up and supporting students in all aspects of their college experience reinforces the servant leadership we teach. My goal is to help them step into their callings as servant leaders who will advance the Kingdom of God in their careers and communities.
How do you integrate faith into your teaching or daily work?
I start by praying with and for my students followed closely with a Biblical foundation integrating scripture and faith-based discussion. I try to personally model servant leadership and introduce students to business leaders who exemplify servant leadership, for example, David Green of Hobby Lobby. I encourage personal faith application in the business environment. Finally, I show up and make sure I am available for the students.
What makes OKWU a special place to you?
The PEOPLE are WHO makes OKWU special to me! Students, faculty, staff and administrators all contribute to the special success of OKWU.
What advice would you give to a prospective student?
Be Present! Go to class! Attend student life activities! Put down your phone and engage in conversation. Life is meant to be lived! Create connections with students, faculty, staff and administrators! Life is meant to be shared with others!