The Russell Building

The Russell Building. Southeastern Oklahoma State University. , Reflecting a decade of growth and progress, in 1921 President Henry Garland Bennett hosted the formal dedication of Southeastern’s new education building. The James Earl Russell Memorial Building was named in honor of Bennett’s major professor at Columbia College, New York. The Russell Building originally included twenty-two classrooms, two libraries, a combination gymnasium-auditorium, and offices for faculty and staff. From 1921-1968, the Russell Training School was the primary training facility for teachers in Southeastern Oklahoma and served as a model public school for K-12 students. , From 1968-1973, the Russell Building housed Federal and State programs such as the NASA Technology Use Study Center and Neighborhood Youth Corps. In 1973, the Russell Building became home to the School of Business and was remodeled and expanded in 1994. In the spring of 2005, the school was renamed the John Massey School of Business in honor of businessman, philanthropist, State Regent, and distinguished alumnus, John Massey., [September 21, 2002 marker - at front entrance]Russell Training School , 1920-1968. Named for educator James Earl Russell, this historic building and the Russell Memorial Clock honor the Southeastern teachers, administrators, student teachers, secondary and elementary pupils who, under the guidance of experienced supervisors, prepared future teachers and developed and demonstrated methods for improving and standardizing classroom instruction in Oklahoma. , In 1953, Russell Training School became Russell Elementary School, part of Durant’s public school system, and remained so until its closure in 1968.Dedicated September 21, 2002 , Dr. Glen D. Johnson, President . Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Russell School Memorial Committee:. Rena Dosh Caffey . Vivian Crutcher Gibson . Betty Haggard White . Betty French Wakefield . Georgia Ann Gibson . Sarah Green Voorhies . Billie Jo French Funderburke . Dr. Alvin M. White . Patricia Green Swafford