Michael Russo

Michael Russo, Psy.D. currently serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs, bringing over 35 years of clinical psychology expertise and 25 years of senior administrative leadership to the role. Dr. Russo oversees the university’s student affairs division, leading initiatives that cultivate an inclusive, vibrant, and supportive campus environment. He began his career at Central as Director of Counseling and Student Development, where he brought a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and a "whole-person" approach to student development, ensuring that students from all backgrounds had the resources necessary to thrive academically and personally. Dr. Russo’s extensive leadership background spans both higher education and community mental health sectors. Prior to coming to Central, he worked in community mental health and special education where he specialized in developing innovative mental health programs, multi-disciplinary special education programs and services, and targeted clinical programs for at-risk populations. 

A licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Connecticut, Dr. Russo holds a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hartford, a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Boston College, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Scranton. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively with young adults, adolescents, and families from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, leveraging clinical insights to shape impactful policies, programs, and holistic student success strategies.