Whoop, Jim Russ!

EHRA Engineering is proud to celebrate a monumental achievement for our President & CEO, Jim Russ, who has been recognized with two of the highest distinctions from Texas A&M University’s College of Architecture. Jim has been named a 2024 Harold L. Adams ’61 Outstanding Alumni Honoree and has also been invited to join the college’s Dean’s Advisory Board (DAB12). These honors highlight Jim’s contributions to the university and his commitment to shaping and supporting the college’s future of architecture, construction and design.

HONORING LEADERSHIP, ACHIEVEMENT AND SERVICE

Established in 1997, the Outstanding Alumni Award is the highest honor given by the College of Architecture, recognizing former students who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, professional achievement and service to society. Fewer than 1% of former students receive this recognition, making it a true testament to Jim’s impactful career and dedication to the industry.

Late last year, Jim was one of seven distinguished former students to receive the Outstanding Alumni Award. Reflecting on the honor, he shared, “I was greatly surprised to be nominated let alone selected for such an award. I am amongst giants with significant accolades across the globe who have made impacts on millions of people’s lives. And then there is me. I do not know what I did to earn this achievement, but I am truly honored.”

These honorees have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields and communities while upholding Texas A&M’s core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service. His recognition speaks to his commitment to professional excellence, his service to the broader community and his continued support of the College of Architecture.

“It is the highest accomplishment I have ever received, and I will do everything I can to live up to values of what an aggie needs to in order to be considered for something like that,” said Jim.

In addition to this incredible honor, Jim has also been invited to join the Dean’s Advisory Board (DAB12), a select group of leaders who provide strategic guidance to the College of Architecture. The DAB12 is made up of 12 distinguished alumni and industry professionals who are committed to advancing the college’s mission and ensuring it remains at the forefront of education and innovation in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and construction science.

“To receive this invitation is just another way to give back to the university that gave me so much,” said Jim. “The caliber of this board is filled with such power hitters, and I am honored to serve alongside of them.” As a member, he will work with other esteemed professionals to support Interim Dean Patrick Suermann in enhancing the college’s impact and preparing students to lead in the evolving industry.

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

Jim’s induction into both the Outstanding Alumni ranks and the DAB12 reflects his deep-rooted passion for Texas A&M, the profession and his dedication to the next generation of industry leaders. His achievements serve as an inspiration to our team and the broader professional community, reinforcing the values that define both Texas A&M and our firm.

“As I always say, I owe everything that I am to the man upstairs, my mom and dad, Texas A&M University and surrounding myself with people that are far superior than I will ever be and those that I trust,” said Jim.

Please join us in congratulating Jim Russ ’86 on these well-deserved accolades. His leadership continues to make a lasting impact, and we are honored to celebrate this milestone with him.