Faculty member Dylan Russell honored for teaching, leadership, and service
UNC School of Government faculty member Dylan Russell was recently recognized with three distinguished honors, which underscore his contributions to public service, higher education, and leadership at UNC-Chapel Hill and across North Carolina.
In March, Russell was inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece, Carolina’s oldest honor society.
Founded in 1904, the Order fosters connections among students, faculty, and alumni and selects members based on extraordinary service to the university in scholarship, motivation, creativity, loyalty, and leadership in academic and extracurricular pursuits. Russell was nominated by Richard Stevens, former state senator, UNC MPA alumnus, and Chair Emeritus of the UNC Board of Trustees.
“I believe deeply in the promise of UNC-CH and what it means for North Carolina,” said Russell.“To be inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece—and to join the ranks of giants from the School of Government like Mike Smith, John Sanders, Albert Coates, and Anita Brown-Graham—is a profound honor. Their commitment to service and leadership has shaped this state, and their example continues to inspire me every day. I’m humbled to carry that legacy forward and grateful to be part of a tradition that recognizes the power of public service to unite, elevate, and transform communities through Carolina’s work.”
Also this year, Russell received the Chancellor’s Award for Student Undergraduate Teaching, which honors outstanding faculty and teaching assistants who demonstrate excellence in instruction and impact on student learning. The Student Undergraduate Teaching Awards were established to recognize outstanding undergraduate instruction by both faculty and teaching assistants. Teaching nominations are reviewed based on demonstrated and consistent teaching excellence, success in positively affecting a broad spectrum of students both in and outside the classroom, and the creation of a dynamic learning environment.
Russell was recognized for his work teaching State and Local Government (PUBA 401), a service-learning course placing undergraduate students in nonprofits and local governments across the state. In the class, students work with community partners to create policy briefs that address issues faced by the community. The course also serves as a gateway to public service careers: six of Russell’s former students have gone on to enroll in the UNC MPA program, and many now serve in local government leadership roles across the state.
One nomination for the award read, “Russell embodies the highest standards of undergraduate teaching excellence. Through his commitment to experiential learning, mentorship, career preparation, and fostering an inclusive and dynamic classroom, he inspires students to pursue meaningful careers in public service.”
In May, Russell received an award from Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) or top influencers in local government. ELGL is a national organization that celebrates innovation in local government. The award honors public sector professionals making a difference in their communities and who demonstrate joy, creativity, connection, dependability, and equity through their work and public activities. Russell was one of three honorees from UNC, alongside UNC MPA alumnus Pat Madej and PELA graduate Jonathan Russell.
About Dylan Russell
Dylan Russell serves as a teaching assistant professor and the faculty co-lead of Lead for North Carolina at the UNC School of Government. Lead for North Carolina facilitates high-impact fellowships for recent graduates in local government throughout the state. Under Dylan’s leadership, Lead for NC has connected over 150 young leaders with fellowships and secured over 10 million in funding to support these initiatives. Dylan’s research explores strategies for workforce development, talent retention, and institutional capacity in government organizations.
Published May 13, 2025.