Maria Russ Honored as USF Nursing Outstanding Young Alumnus

The College of Nursing at the University of South Florida presented the 2012 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award to Maria Russ, ARNP, CPNP, PhD, on March 3, 2012 at the Alumni Award Luncheon during the first annual USF College of Nursing “Coming Home” weekend held at the College. The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award is presented by the USF College of Nursing Alumni & Friends Society and acknowledges the personal, professional and community contributions of its alumni.

Dianne Morrison-Beedy, PhD, RN, WHNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN, Senior Associate Vice President of USF Health and Dean of the College of Nursing University of South Florida (left) and Melissa Molinari Shelton PhD, RN, President of the USF College of Nursing Alumni and Friends Society and Board (right) present the 2012 USF Nursing Outstanding Young Alumnus Award to Maria Russ, ARNP, CPNP, PhD (center). Photo by Ashlea Hudak 

Dr. Russ received her PhD in Nursing Science in 2001, her Master’s in Nursing with a specialty in Community Health in 1996 and a Child Health Nursing Post-Master’s Certificate in 2000 – all from the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

Dr. Russ has focused her career on improving the lives of children in our community.  Among her various roles, she has supervised and provided care to at-risk children in the Area Health Education Center program, as well as the Tampa Bay Crisis Center, and is a pediatric nurse practitioner.  Dr. Russ is currently the Coordinator of school health services for the Hillsborough County School system. In this role, she organizes health protection programs for students and serves as the liaison between the school district and community agencies.

Dr. Russ has co-authored several grants including the CDC/Steps grant, CDC/HIV grant, and Emergency Disaster Preparedness grant which were awarded several million dollars in funding. Russ is an active member in professional organizations, provides service to her local community, while also serving as a guest lecturer and adjunct faculty member at USF College of Nursing.

“Dr. Russ has been described as an exceptional and inspirational example to students, faculty, and community members of what an adept leader should be,” said Melissa Molinari Shelton PhD, RN, President of the USF College of Nursing Alumni and Friends Society and Board. “She is luminous, enthusiastic, and dedicated to improving the health care of children.  We are so proud of all she has accomplished thus far and look forward to what is yet to come.”