School News

Announcing UHS Dean of Students April 2023

Announcing Our UHS Dean of Students

We’d like to update you on the hiring status for our Dean of Students at the high school. We’re excited to share with you that Johanna Russell has accepted the position of Dean of Students at Urbandale High School beginning in the 2023–24 school year. Ms. Russell will support students with last names L– Z.

Johanna RussellMs. Russell brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Dean of Students as she has been serving as our Interim Dean of Students throughout the 2022–23 school year. Prior to that, Ms. Russell served as a Student Building and Support Specialist, Building Master Instructional Mentor, Master Mentor Teacher, and Art Teacher in the Ankeny Community School District. She has also served as a K-12 Curriculum Advisor in the Knoxville School District, an Iowa Area Education Agencies Instructor, an Iowa State Education Association Instructor, a Grand View University Student-Teaching Supervisor, and an Art of Education University Graduate Instructor. 

This summer, Ms. Russell will be receiving her Doctor of Education with Principal Licensure from Drake University. She holds a K-8 Instructional Strategist 1 License from Morningside College, a Master of Arts in Education from Viterbo University, is a License Master Educator, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Iowa.

“I feel incredibly blessed and honored to continue my journey as the Dean of Students at Urbandale High School,” said Russell. “Working with our amazing students, dedicated staff, and supportive community has been a true joy, and I’m thrilled to build upon the progress we’ve made together. I’m excited for the opportunities ahead and am grateful for the chance to continue making a positive impact on the lives of our students.”

Please join us in officially welcoming Ms. Russell as our UHS Dean of Students. We’re absolutely thrilled to continue working alongside this exceptional leader and genuine supporter of students and staff.