# ECPI University Blog Post: Meet Dr. Russell Mauk, ECPI University’s New Newport News Campus President

**Canonical URL:** https://www.ecpi.edu/blog/russell-mauk-new-newport-news-campus-president

**Last Updated:** 2026-11-05T17:16:58+00:00

**Categories:** ConnectBlog

ECPI University welcomes Dr. Russell Mauk as the new Newport News Campus President. With nearly 15 years of higher education leadership and a background in business and healthcare, Dr. Mauk has spent much of his career helping students prepare for their professional futures.

## Key Takeaways

- Missing key takeaways. Please identify 3-5 key points.

As he settles into his new position, Dr. Mauk is focused on building relationships within the campus and strengthening its connections throughout Hampton Roads. We spoke with him about his career and what he hopes to accomplish at the Newport News campus.

## Q: Your professional background is quite diverse. What led you to higher education?

**A:** My career has certainly taken some interesting turns. I started in the jewelry business before moving into healthcare as a doctor of chiropractic. I practiced for about a decade before a colleague approached me about teaching as an adjunct instructor.

That opportunity led to a dean's position within a year, and I've now been in higher education leadership for nearly 15 years.

I understand academics, but I also understand the business and operational side of running an institution. Having both perspectives helps me approach my new role in a balanced way.

## Q: What attracted you to ECPI University at this point in your career?

**A:** One of the things that stood out to me was ECPI University's history and how it's evolved over the past 60 years. It's impressive to see how the university has grown and expanded while maintaining its focus on preparing students for careers.

I'm particularly drawn to ECPI's emphasis on hands-on learning. Having spent much of my career in healthcare education, I know firsthand how valuable practical experience is for students.

## Q: Given your experience in career-focused education, what do you think people sometimes misunderstand about accelerated programs?

**A:** I think there's a common misconception that accelerated education means moving through the material too quickly. But that's not really the case.

To me, acceleration is about creating a more efficient path for students to reach their goals. That means reducing the time it takes to earn a degree without compromising on the skills and knowledge they need.

A lot of students have families and other responsibilities outside the classroom. For them, this format can make pursuing a degree much more manageable.

## Q: What role do you believe a campus should play in its community?

**A:** It's important for a campus to be visible and involved in the community it serves. We want people to know who we are and to understand the programs we offer and how they connect to opportunities in the region.

A big part of that involves getting out and building relationships with local organizations and employers. The better we understand the region's workforce needs, the easier it is to identify where the university can contribute.

Hampton Roads has a strong military presence, and that's an area I'm particularly interested in. I'd like to strengthen those connections and find more ways for the campus to engage with the military community.

## Q: As you begin leading the Newport News campus, what are some of your priorities?

**A:** My first priority is getting to know the people who make the campus what it is. I've already heard about some of the great work the Newport News team has done to support students, and I'm excited to be joining them.

I also want to build on the campus's existing strengths and make sure the community understands the full range of educational opportunities available here.

As a leader, I try to be consistent in how I approach things and make decisions based on good information. I value input from the people around me, especially those who know the campus and its students well.

## Q: What excites you most about this next chapter?

**A:** I'm excited to be joining the Newport News campus and seeing what we can accomplish together. There's a lot of potential here, both on campus and throughout Hampton Roads.

After spending much of my career in higher education, I still enjoy taking on new challenges. Every campus is different, and I'm looking forward to bringing my experience to Newport News while learning from the people here.

### About Dr. Russell Mauk

Dr. Russell Mauk serves as Campus President of ECPI University's Newport News campus, bringing nearly 15 years of experience in higher education leadership. Before entering higher education, he worked in business and practiced as a doctor of chiropractic.

Dr. Mauk believes in a collaborative approach to leadership and places a strong emphasis on creating an environment where faculty and staff have the support they need to help students succeed.