Advancing Kentucky Together: James Russell’s resiliency as a first-gen student

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 27, 2025) — We all face different challenges throughout our lives, but what truly matters is getting back on track after encountering one.

One significant challenge for many students from rural areas in the Commonwealth is the opportunity to attend college. A true example of first-generation resilience is James Russell, a student in the University of Kentucky Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering.

The Johnson County, Kentucky native has pushed himself to overcome any significant obstacle on his way to pursue the dream of obtaining a bachelor's degree.

Despite coming from a small rural town, Russell’s limited access to resources did not stop him from researching opportunities to fulfill his lifelong goal. That is when he crossed paths with the University of Kentucky and understood that he belonged here. 

Russell is one of many on UK’s campus and across Kentucky working to advance our state. They all reflect UK’s mission to teach, care, serve and discover.

James Russell and other members of our community shared their voices for both the 30-second and 60-second spots. While we hear only a few seconds from each of them, they have powerful stories to tell.

UKNow asked Russell a few questions about what it means to be part of the UK community — and of a legacy — of people who are working to advance Kentucky.

Read the Q&A below.

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UKNow: What makes the University of Kentucky special?  

Russell: What truly makes the university special to me is that it represents the heart and soul of our community and the steadfast spirit of its people. At the university, you will find it’s a tight-knit family, always ready to support one another and lend a helping hand. Growing up in Eastern Kentucky, I’ve come to cherish community and culture. Here at the university, the same sense of companionship thrives. I feel as if the culture we foster mirrors Kentucky’s ambitions, always striving for greatness and unity. Daily, I’m inspired by those around me — the future leaders who I know will shape our great state’s future. The determination and passion that surrounds me is something that ignites a fire within me. It reminds me to hold my dreams close and always persevere.

UKNow: What does “advancing Kentucky” mean to you?

Russell: Advancing Kentucky can be embodied by one word: hope. Advancing Kentucky represents inspiring others to change the world. As our state grows, more complex issues will arise, requiring creative solutions and brilliant minds. It symbolizes a passion and desire to help future generations become the leaders of tomorrow. Advancing Kentucky embodies the hope that we can help our home develop and work towards a future where we find ourselves in endless growth. Ultimately, it represents, to me, the hope that one day, my peers and I can change the world for the better.

UKNow: How has your time at UK helped you be part of the university’s mission to advance Kentucky?

Russell: My time at the University of Kentucky has inspired me by showing me the power of community, perseverance and hope. Daily, I'm surrounded by others eager to make a meaningful impact on the world and our home. Their dedication is what fuels my aspirations, with the constant reminder that progress only begins with those who care deeply about their home and its future. The university is more than a place of learning — it’s a family bound by commitment and dreams. UK has helped me be part of the mission to advance Kentucky by helping me to dream without limits. Change starts with us, and I’m grateful our university enlightens and empowers. I carry the hope that one day, my peers and I will help make a brighter tomorrow, especially for our great state.

UKNow: What is your hope for UK’s next 160 years?

Russell: My hope for the University of Kentucky’s next 160 years is that it continues on its path of community, innovation and opportunity — always being a place where people of every background can come to grow and make a difference. I hope that UK remains connected to the heart of Kentucky and always embraces the tradition and culture I've come to love. I see the university breaking barriers and providing students with the skill sets to face any problem with the utmost courage and creativity. Lastly, I hope the university continues to inspire others to follow their dreams and have the heart to always help others.

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Each week this semester, as UK celebrates its 160th birthday, UKNow is sharing more about these members of our community and what inspires them to do more and be more for the people of Kentucky.

You can learn more about their stories here.

UK’s CARES First-Generation Student Services is housed in the Office for Student Success. Learn more about programming and resources here.