Stephen T. Russell named new director of the Sanford School

Stephen T. Russell, a leading scholar in adolescent development, is joining Arizona State University as the new director of the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics. As the Sanford School approaches its 20th year at ASU, Russell steps into a role that advances work centered on people, relationships and the structures that shape society.

His career spans faculty and leadership positions at the University of Texas at Austin; the University of Arizona; University of California, Davis; and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Across these institutions, he’s helped guide programs focused on the needs and experiences of children and families — work that closely aligns with the Sanford School’s mission.

Russell looks forward to building upon the Sanford School’s range of programs and centers, including the Child Development Lab, which has supported children and families for over 80 years; the MAS in marriage and family therapy, the only program of its kind offered by a state university in Arizona; and other high-impact efforts focused on social and public health.

The school is invested in leading social science research, including creating safe school environments, helping everyday citizens navigate the legal system, understanding the complex gun debate in American culture and researching healthy child development.

Now, as he prepares to join ASU, Russell sees opportunities to continue the school’s momentum.

“I’m inspired by the ASU Charter, and passionate about the mission of the Sanford School to help individuals, families, communities and institutions succeed,” Russell said. “I’m excited by the energy from faculty, staff and students to come together to clarify the vision and strengthen the culture of the school.”

Russell’s robust history of leadership roles includes serving as the Priscilla Pond Flawn Regents Professor in Child Development and Director of the School of Human Ecology at UT Austin. He’s also been a fellow of the National Council on Family Relations — through which the Sanford School offers a credential pathway for students — and a past president of the Society for Research on Adolescence.

He was recently on the Governing Council of the Society for Research in Child Development and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Council on Contemporary Families, as well as the Observational Study Monitoring Board for the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study.

In addition to his countless roles with national research and policy organizations, mentorship has been a consistent focus throughout Russell’s career. He has trained dozens of graduate students and helped launch professional development initiatives for both students and early-career faculty and considers this one of the “most satisfying parts” of his work.

It’s this breadth of experience and dedication to the social science community that positions him well to lead the school, said Magda Hinojosa, dean of social sciences at The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

“Dr. Russell brings such genuine enthusiasm for the work happening across the Sanford School,” she says. “He’s deeply familiar with the school’s mission and committed to the full range of exciting research that its scholars are undertaking. I know he’ll be a phenomenal leader who will build on the school’s existing strengths.”

Russell’s scholarly work, which spans hundreds of authored and co-authored publications, is widely recognized for informing how educators and policymakers approach adolescent development. He explores how family dynamics and broader social environments shape the way adolescents learn and grow, especially LGBTQ+ youth. Russell often describes adolescence as “one of the most fascinating stages of life” — a time when identity begins to form under social pressure.

He also places strong value on sharing research in ways that serve the public.

“Early in my career, when I published some of the first population studies on LGBT youth, I received a lot of media calls and felt unprepared to be an ‘expert,’” Russell recalled. “I was expressing my doubts to a mentor, who said: ‘If you don’t talk with the reporter, who will? Your educated opinion is far better than someone else’s wild guess.’ That comment was important for me to develop the confidence and voice to share research findings in a public way.”

He added: “That advice applies to the Sanford School — our research and teaching is crucial in the world today.”

In addition to his academic work, Russell regularly contributes to public service through local human rights commissions and national organizations focused on expanding access to health, education and opportunity.

His arrival will bring a new perspective and energy to a school already recognized for its research and commitment to improving lives.

“Stephen Russell’s extensive scholarship and leadership experience are underscored by a true passion for the work, whether that be in advancing critical research or supporting student success,” said ASU Executive Vice President and University Provost Nancy Gonzales. “I look forward to seeing his contributions as director of the Sanford School, as well as a member of the university community.”