Missouri Supreme Court judge Mary Rhodes Russell (’80), has been honored by the National Judicial College with the 2025 Sandra Day O’Connor Award. This award recognizes a judge or former judge who has shown extraordinary service and commitment to the cause of justice.
Judge Russell is the third woman to serve on the Supreme Court of Missouri since the statehood. Appointed to the Court in 2004, she is currently the longest-serving member and has served two terms as Chief Justice. Before her tenure on the Supreme Court, Judge Russell was in private practice in Hannibal and was on the Court of Appeals, Eastern District.
A 7th-generation Missourian, Judge Russell grew up on a farm near Hannibal. She graduated as valedictorian from Hannibal High School, earned summa cum laude honors from Truman State University, with a BS and BA in communication. While a student, she was actively involved in campus life, including as a staff member of The Index, Cardinal Key, Sigma Sigma Sigma and was a Pershing Scholar. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law.
Judge Russell was on the Board of Governors of Truman State University (1993-1997, serving as president in 1996). During her tenure, the Board voted to change the name of the University to Truman State University and hired Dr. Jack Magruder as president. In addition, she has been a member of numerous statewide boards and commissions and has been deeply involved in various legal and community organizations.
She is the recipient of many awards and honors granted by Truman, including being named Truman State University’s Alumna of the Year in 2013, the Distinguished Service in 2003 and the 2025 Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal. She was also recognized by Ingram’s as one of Missouri’s 50 Missourians You Should Know and was honored as Woman of the Year by USA Today.
Judge Russell enjoys being a mentor to numerous young people and passionate advocate for civics education, regularly speaking to students and community groups to help demystify the courts.