Mathis, Russell (1926-2014) | University of Illinois Archives

Russell Mathis (1926-2014) was born in Hennepin, Illinois to George and Amy Mathis. After receiving his bachelor's degree in music from Illinois Wesleyan in 1947, he received both his master's and doctorate of music education from the University of Illinois in 1952 and 1962. From 1962 to 1990 Mathis served as the director of choral activities at the University of Oklahoma, serving as chair of the voice division from 1976-1990, the assistant vice provost for special programs (1969-1973), and director of music theater (1987-1990). During his time in Oklahoma, Mathis led choral performances at the first Viennese Symposium and the 1964 World's Fair.

Mathis served as the national president of the ACDA from 1974 to 1977. He joined Morris D. Hayes on the People to People Youth Chorale international tour in 1983. After retiring in 1990, he served as the music director of the Southwest Repertoiry Theatre in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He died on September 23, 2014 in Norman, Oklahoma.