Cole Russing joined KIMEP last fall and has since taught a varying course load.
“My first semester was fall 2024 and I had three classes,” he said. “Then in spring 2025, I had four classes.”
This fall semester, Russing is teaching two courses while also managing his new administrative responsibilities.
“My previous position was simply as an Assistant Professor teaching classes. And it was lovely. It was less administrative,” Russing said.
While he has experience in similar roles, Russing described the transition as fast-paced.
“I’ve been pushed into the deep end, and I’m paddling as fast as I can to keep from drowning,” he said. “The challenge is learning how things are done at KIMEP.”
One of his stated priorities is ensuring students can meet graduation requirements.
“My top priority as new Chair is making sure that the classes that students need to graduate are being taught every semester,” he said.
Several new initiatives are launching under his leadership, including a new minor..
“I put together and created a Digital Filmmaking minor that is being implemented this fall,” he said.
The 12-credit program includes courses in digital filmmaking and video documentary this semester, with additional courses in screenwriting and fiction film planned for spring. Russing noted that the program is open to all students without prerequisites.
Plans for expansion are also in development.
“In the future, I would like to expand that to include a cinematography class, an editing class and a sound class, and also a producing class, and a directing class,” he said.
He also confirmed updates to departmental facilities.
“We have new equipment coming in for the department, filmmaking equipment that can be used for journalists and for documentary filmmaking and narrative filmmaking,” Russing said. “We have a new studio that’s going to be built and it’ll be able to be used for television and for film.”
Russing described his broader goal as creating interdisciplinary opportunities. “There’s a whole legal side of filmmaking, there’s a whole business side of filmmaking. That’s my vision of the future.”
Additionally, Russing encouraged students, “You can do one thing that no one else in the world can do. Only you can see the world through your eyes. Media is the most powerful influence we have in society today. Use it for good. Use it for positive change.”