After over 45 years of service to Feather River College and its agriculture programs, the college finally said “happy trails” to Russell Reid, a faculty member and chair of the agriculture department.
Reid began his career in higher education as an adjunct faculty member at Feather River College in 1978, when it was still part of the Peralta Community College District. He became a full-time faculty member in 1980. He taught food science, home economics and health sciences courses before transitioning to professor of agriculture. Colleagues describe him as a selfless, committed and student-centered leader.
During his 45 years, Reid led his department through important transformations. Reid started with pack station classes and eventually developed an equine program. He was instrumental in the annual horse and bull sales, and the establishment of associate and bachelors degrees in agriculture. He also played an important role in developing the rodeo team, ag business and beef programs, and has been active in both regional and state efforts to promote agricultural education. At FRC he also served on the Academic Senate and is founding member of the FRC Foundation.
Reid’s impact goes far beyond FRC. He has developed and nurtured relationships with land management and natural resource organizations throughout the region. Reid was recently was featured in “The California Rangeland Trust” magazine for “educating the next generation of ranchers in California.”
Dr. Kevin Trutna, Superintendent/President of FRC said, “Russell Reid was the architect for starting the FRC Equine Program, which is known throughout the west in training working ranch horses and breeding programs. In his career, Russell built many agriculture related programs at FRC. His impact to thousands of students will continue for many years.” He added that Reid will be remembered as a kind, engaging, entertaining, and student-centered faculty member who consistently and unfailingly treats others with honesty and respect.
Members of the FRC community and the locals alike attended a retirement celebration for Russell Oct. 20. Notably in attendance were congresswoman Megan Dahle along with her husband and state senator Brian Dahle. Their attendance was a testament to the impact that Russell made both in our local communities and our north state region, organizers said.
FRC wishes to thank Reid for everything he has done and the impact he has made on campus and off.
Information provided by Feather River Community College
