Russell Hunter, GC'14

Students accepted to the University of Richmond bring to the institution rich backgrounds and experiences. Working professionals enrolled in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS) are no exception.

Russell Hunter, GC’14, brought to the Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) program at the University of Richmond a remarkable breadth and depth of experience. He attended California State University - San Marcos on an academic scholarship after being named to the ALL-USA 3rd Academic Team and ALL-State California First Academic Team. When 9/11 occurred Hunter was one semester away from graduating. Even though he was pulled from his studies to pursue his job in the military, he earned a bachelor of science degree with honors (magna cum laude) from Excelsior College.

Hunter served for eight years in the United States Marine Corps and retired as a Sergeant Major from the United States Army after 18 years of service. In addition to his solid academic credentials, he brought to the MLA program an extensive background in military operations.

Hunter patiently and deliberately chose the University of Richmond for his graduate studies. “I wanted to complete my master's degree while on active duty, but the only options at that time were online programs. I wanted the classroom experience; the exchange of ideas was a key element for me.”

Hunter eventually selected UR for its MLA program. “I chose UR after looking at various universities in the area including Georgetown and William & Mary. The ability to tailor my own focus was the selling point.” Once he made the choice to apply to the MLA, he reflects that “the added bonus of small class sizes and international recognition only enhanced my choice.”

The MLA program is serving him well. Once he decided that doctoral study would be his next learning milestone, he applied to international programs where he could focus on multiple cultures and the effects drone use might have on them.

Hunter was accepted to several programs, but he’ll continue his research at the University of Stirling (Scotland), where the cross-disciplinary program is a better fit to his research interests. UR’s MLA program provided exactly the preparation he needed.

“I told them I was at UR in a MLA program. They gave me waiver if I completed the UR MLA program. The quality of my MLA transcends their requirement, and coupled with my CV, shows I am prepared for further studies.”

Hunter has immersed himself in the full student experience at UR. As a member of the SPCS Student Government Association board, Hunter attends nearly every information session and willingly shares his experience with prospective students. He’s been able to share his professional experiences in counterterrorism and antiterrorism in the classroom, and has been a guest lecturer in two different classes. His experience in the use of drones has been particularly useful in his studies: Hunter is part of a working group on teaching about UAS at UR.

Hunter refers to the UR community as a family. “I lost a brother and moved my dad into our house this semester,” says Hunter. “The outpouring from the UR family, faculty and staff was amazing, and I would not have been able to succeed as I did without that support.”

His experience researching in UR libraries confirmed the deep sense of community he felt.

“I spent countless hours in both the Law library and Boatwright library. I made friends with undergrads; they would bring me coffee when I looked overly tired. This was endearing and shows the type of campus UR is.” Hunter elaborates, “Though I am twice their age, they saw me as a one of their own, perhaps even sharing some empathy for the old man with stacks of books intently researching and writing.”

“The greatest resource to me is the students — I felt energized by them,” concludes Hunter. “All trying and helping each other succeed.”

In the fall, Hunter will begin his doctoral studies at the University of Stirling on this topic: “I propose that the use of UAS over Western territorial land by their governments in the name of security (along with legislation that allows it to happen) will lead to a societal and cultural shift. This shift will be tied to the mixture of the cultures within the society and will lead to a nation under suspicion, a call to arms and erosion of individual liberty.” In researching this proposal, he’ll be given the freedom to cross disciplinary boundaries including law, political science, and humanities — in many ways similar to the custom focus area he created in the MLA.

Although retired from active military duty, Hunter remains an active scholar and learner, leveraging his past experiences and educational accomplishments toward the next step in his learning journey. His experience is the essence of continuing and professional education for working (and retired) professionals.