From Concert Stages to Community Building: An Executive Profile of Rosilee Russell

FORT SMITH – For many, the arts provide a sanctuary; for Rosilee Russell, they provide a blueprint for community leadership. A renowned classical pianist and the founder and executive director of the Community School of the Arts, Russell has spent her career bridging the gap between high-level performance and accessible arts education.

As the latest subject in the Fort Smith Metro Daily News’ “Executive Summary” series, Russell reflects on a journey that began on a stage and evolved into the creation of a major educational institution.

A Foundation of Performance

Russell’s musical pedigree is extensive. Holding a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and both a master’s and a Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, her resume reads like a who’s who of elite performance venues. Her career has seen her perform as a recitalist at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, as a guest pianist at the White House, and as a nominee for a performance at the Kennedy Center.

Despite her success on the national stage as a touring member for the Mid-America Arts Alliance, Russell felt a pull toward the developmental side of the arts. In 2006, she founded the Academy of the Arts at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS), turning it into a thriving program serving 800 students per semester. In 2016, she struck out on her own to establish the independent Community School of the Arts, further cementing her commitment to youth education.

Lessons in Leadership and Evolution

When asked about her trajectory, Russell points to humble beginnings. Her first job, working at an Orange Julius while in high school, offered little glamour but a clear lesson. “It was not a job that had anything to do with music,” she recalls. “It definitely taught me that I wanted to go on to school to pursue my musical talent to get a job in a field that I loved.”

Today, her leadership philosophy centers on collaboration and adaptability. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with skilled people who are deeply committed to the mission. Perhaps most importantly, she notes that her perspective on technology has shifted significantly over the past decade. Where she may have once been hesitant, she now recognizes that embracing digital advancement is an essential asset for any organization.

Looking Toward a Progressive Future

When asked what she would change about the Fort Smith metro, Russell calls for a shift in pace. “I would love to see progress happen more quickly – a more progressive approach to building a community,” she says.

Her life is also a testament to the idea that small, unexpected moments can create the biggest impacts. An unsolicited email from a fellow educator in 2002 regarding an article about her led to a dinner date, which eventually led to her marriage to Dr. Phillip Russell, whom she describes as her greatest joy.

While the professional community knows her as an executive, she holds a secret that might surprise many: she was a dedicated athlete in her youth and remains a passionate sports fan. When asked to choose a “walk-up song” for her leadership life, she chose “We’re All in This Together” from High School Musical.

“Anytime you build something new from the ground up, it takes an army of people all pulling in the same direction,” Russell says. “No one person can take credit for it, and no one person can build alone.”

For those interested in how Russell balances these competing demands of administration and artistry, you can read more about her collaborative, progressive approach to leadership in the full executive series.