North Linden – Columbus Area Commissions

Andrea Russell joined the North Linden Area Commission on January 1, 2020. Being Jamaican American, Commissioner Russell was born in Nigeria, while her father was teaching at the University of Ife; there on assignment for the Jamaican government. Having lived in Tanzania and Kenya, Commissioner Russell also traveled through Europe with her family, as a child, due to her father’s diplomatic work with the US and the Jamaican governments. A graduate of Rift Valley Academy, in Kijabe, Kenya, and East Carolina University, Commissioner Russell received her high school diploma and two degrees: BFA and MAEd in Art Education.

She specialized in the areas of Art Education and Ceramics with a minor in Communication Arts/Graphic Design. Later, Commissioner Russell attended The Ohio State University, where she taught computer graphics at Hopkins Hall and evaluated student teachers. Her studies included: Art Education with an emphasis in Curriculum Development and Assessment. She also worked as an Art Educator for Columbus City Schools. There, Commissioner Russell wrote the Computer Graphics Curriculum for CCS that was approved by the CCS District School Board to offer art as a technology credit. Commissioner Russell has taught grades preK, K-12 Art, and worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for both East Carolina University and The Ohio State University. Hearing the call of God, Commissioner Russell ended a fifteen-year career teaching Art to start Jar Graphic Design.

Since 2002, Commissioner Russell has owned and operated her company. Commissioner Russell’s mission has been to help others in need. That’s why she has found serving on the North Linden Area Commission so rewarding.