The Van ISD Education Foundation is proud to recognize Russell DuBose as the recipient of the 2026 Van ISD Education Foundation Distinguished Alumni Award. Russell DuBose, a graduate of Van High School's Class of 1987 and the son of Claudia Clark of Van, Texas, exemplifies the values of leadership, service, and excellence that make our community proud.

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During his years at Van High School, Russell distinguished himself both on the athletic field and in academic competitions. He lettered in football and excelled in one-act play, persuasive speaking, and Lincoln-Douglas debate, earning numerous UIL honors at the district and regional levels. These early accomplishments foreshadowed a lifetime of achievement and leadership.

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After graduation, Russell began a remarkable military career by serving in the Active Army with the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He later graduated from the University of Alabama and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant from the Alabama Military Academy. Over an extraordinary 37-year career in both the active and reserve components of the United States Army, he served as an engineer officer and theater logistics officer, commanded units at the company, battalion, and brigade levels, and served overseas in Afghanistan, Germany, Iraq, Kuwait, and South Korea.

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Russell's commitment to professional excellence is reflected in his graduation from the Canadian Forces College, the Army War College, and the National Defense University. His distinguished service earned him numerous honors, including the Bronze Star and the prestigious General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award.

In 2024, he concluded his military career with retirement at the rank of Full Colonel.

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Beyond his military achievements, Russell has built an impressive civilian career. He serves as a senior leader in human resources and healthcare management for Phifer Corporation in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Recognized nationally for his expertise in healthcare reform, he has been featured in leading publications including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News, and The New York Times, and he provided testimony before the United States Congress in 2024. 

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Russell's accomplishments are matched by his devotion to family. He and his wife, Kelley DuBose, make their home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and their son, Jackson DuBose, resides in San Antonio, Texas.

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Please join us in congratulating and celebrating Russell DuBose, an outstanding example of service, leadership, and dedication, and a truly deserving recipient of the 2026 Van ISD Education Foundation Distinguished Alumni Award.