Dr. Raymond Russin, Experimental Psychologist, Passed Away at 82
Learning was a way of life for Raymond Russin.
Dr. Raymond Russin, an experimental psychologist, professor, and academic administrator who spent decades mentoring students across several colleges, passed away on November 6, 2026, at the age of 82. Born in New York City on January 25, 1944, to Helen Russin, he built a life defined by scientific inquiry, education, and community service.
After graduating from high school in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Russin initially pursued medicine at the University of Connecticut before shifting his focus to psychology. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Bridgeport and later completed a Ph.D. in Research and Experimental Psychology at Colorado State University.
His academic footprint spanned multiple institutions. He taught at William Paterson College and conducted research through the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. In 1979, he secured a National Science Foundation award to develop an undergraduate laboratory in experimental psychology at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
He joined Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, as a professor of psychology in 1983. Two years later, he earned a second National Science Foundation grant focused on laboratory development in physiological psychology.
Russin transitioned into administrative leadership as his career progressed. In 2001, he took on the role of Vice President of Academic Affairs at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas. He later moved to Nebraska to serve as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Dana College in Blair, starting in 2006. Following the closure of Dana College, he extended his teaching career remotely through Northcentral University beginning in 2011.
Outside the classroom, Russin committed himself to local emergency services and his faith. While living in Lindsborg, he joined the volunteer ambulance service, earned an Emergency Medical Technician certification, and taught EMT, First Aid, and CPR courses throughout Kansas.
He was an active member and councilman of All Saints Orthodox Church in Salina until 2006. After relocating to Nebraska, he served as a devoted member and Reader at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Omaha, and contributed to his community as a board member for the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Blair.
Friends may pay their respects on Friday, November 13, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Omaha, Nebraska, followed by a Trisagion Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m.
The funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 14, at 11:00 a.m. at the same church. Another opportunity to visit is set for Monday, November 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary, located at 137 N 8th St in Salina, Kansas, where the family will greet attendees from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
On Tuesday, November 17, at 1 p.m., a graveside committal service will take place at Gypsum Hill Cemetery in Salina.