Remembering Dr. Russell Phelps

Clarks Summit University extends deep condolences to the family of Dr. Russell Phelps. Phelps, a former CSU treasurer, a faithful trustee for 60 years and trustee emeritus for 11 years, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2023. 

A memorial service will be held on March 14 at 1 p.m. at Park Avenue Baptist Church, 1135 Vestal Ave, Binghamton, NY 13903. 

Dr. Russell Phelps  

Dr. Russell Phelps leaves behind a shining legacy of steadfast faithfulness, dedicated service and bountiful wisdom.  

A 2021 recipient of an honorary doctorate from CSU, Phelps made a choice as a young man to dedicate himself to whatever the Lord called him to do. That dedication led him to accept a position as treasurer of CSU after returning home from serving in World War II. After he left that position six years later, he continued to be a trustee for the next 60 years—Phelps was the longest-serving CSU trustee. He went on to be honored with the title of trustee emeritus 11 years ago—a well-earned distinction.   

During his time as a trustee, Phelps was involved in establishing the Clarks Summit campus, and he saw the construction of student housing, as well as his namesake, the Phelps Student Center, which houses the Huckaby Gymnasium and dining services. A plaque hangs in the hall in his honor. 

In 1995, Phelps was also the first recipient of the President’s Award of Distinction, presented by then-president Dr. Milo Thompson. In total, Phelps served with the university for 77 of its 90 years. 

Former CSU president Jim Jeffery, said, “Russ Phelps ran the race of faith as a marathon. His faithfulness to Christ, the gospel, his family and CSU left a legacy.” 

Phelps was born in 1917 in Binghamton, New York. He established a real estate business in his hometown where he specialized in rent-to-own properties and helped thousands of people find homes. 

Fellow CSU Board of Trustees member John Greening, said, “Russ had more experience, wisdom and resources than the rest of the board members combined, but never made us feel below him. He treated each of us with respect and graciousness.” He continued, “he had a consistent faith in God’s provision that enabled him to have a calming effect in challenging times. He was always generous with his assets but more importantly with his encouragement. He humbly set a high standard of service to which we all as board members aspired.” 

During his life, Phelps embodied the word “encouragement.”  

CSU President Dr. Jim Lytle, said, “Dr. Phelps set the standard for financial support for CSU. His wisdom proved to be a sure source of guidance, usually over a lunch of Chinese food. I often left for home with a file folder of information on how the school faced and solved problems far in the past. That was accompanied by an admonition to face the future with confidence in what God had already done for us.” 

He continued, saying, “Russ knew all 10 presidents of our school, and if his relationship with me is any indication, he was their greatest and most constant encourager. I have never known anyone quite like him, and I already miss him.”  

Read his full obituary here.

by Jessica Abbiati (‘19)