Alumni

Thomas Joseph Russell (Jody), is a graduate of Faith Academy from the class of 1999.  He received a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Auburn University with which he practiced in Atlanta until his father became ill.  He relocated back to Mobile to be closer to family where he has since resided.  He is currently employed as a certified residential real estate appraiser with fellow alum Chad Anderson with which he has worked since 2012.  He is married to Mindy Hammons Russell with children Jax (1st grade) and Gracey Ryan (8th grade) who both currently attend Faith Academy.  Jax plays baseball at Westside where Jody coaches with fellow alum, Jacob Lund, and Gracey is a cheerleader and soccer player for Faith Academy.  His sister, Candi Russell Wilson, currently teaches at Faith Academy following their father’s footsteps, and his nieces also attend Faith Academy as well.

Of his long-standing relationship with Faith Academy, Jody says, “Life never follows the plan we attempt to scheme when we start out.  God’s plan is bigger and greater than our plan and knowing where I am now is where I am supposed to be is something that was taught and illustrated during my time at school so long ago.  Faith has always been like family and walking the halls now seeing some of the same teachers, faculty, and alum I had when I attended gives me a sense of pride and comfort.  It is awesome to see so many fellow alum teaching and with children now attending the school as well as rival alum who now have their children at Faith Academy.  I believe that speaks volumes for the character and ideals for the school over the years and today.  Life is not easy especially in today’s world with all of the unknowns, but one thing I can be sure of is that I am proud my kids attend Faith Academy where I know they are being taught the right things and encouraged beyond just learning a textbook or how to add numbers.  Faith family has always been a part of my family and will continue in the future.”