Nursing's Russler dedicated to community service

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Russler works on Saturdays at the Mountain Family Health Center to maintain his clinical skills.

by Mary Lisa Russell

Giving has been a way of life for Dr. Mike Russler, the forty-something professor of nursing who says he loves serving his community and alma mater. Russler, who has taught in the Nursing Department since 1984, believes that community service is a privilege -- and in his opinion -- part of his job.

More than a decade ago, Russler's colleagues and students saw his enthusiasm for service when he volunteered (sometimes volunteering them, too) to organize the department's first fund-raising campaign and nursing alumni membership drives.

"Our department's reputation depends a lot on the quality of our alumni," said Russler. "I wanted incoming and outgoing students to have a positive experience at Fresno State."

Russler also took the initiative to create the first nursing alumni chapter on campus. Not only did he encourage the faculty, staff and alumni to participate at Fresno State, but his innovative approach includes students.

"Dr. Russler is a valuable resource for us as students," said Chad Dennis, a graduate student in the Department of Nursing. "He is always there for us, even after hours. He is a perfect role model -- as a nursing educator and care provider."

Dennis said respect from Russler's colleagues and his community contacts helps Russler secure "hard to find" preceptors for nursing students.

"Mike works tirelessly for the department, the university, and the community, but his main focus over the years has centered around his students," said Dr. Sam Wilkerson, professor of nursing. "It has always given me pleasure to see and hear the senior and undergraduate students express their appreciation for all that he has done for them - and for the rest of us."