Aadit Shrivastava ‘26, Feature Editor

Mr. Marsh “leaving the door open” to his office.

This year, NA welcomes Mr. Russell Marsh, the new Director of Equity and Belonging. He worked as diversity coordinator and director of diversity for over 20 years in different schools before coming to NA. Here are five things to know about Mr. Marsh:

1. He worked in music education for 20 years.

While working in diversity, equity, and inclusion, he also worked as choral director at St. Benedict’s Prep School and music department coordinator at Brooklyn Friends School. “I am a musician by training,” Mr. Marsh explained, saying that he has pursued music since childhood.

His favorite artist is Stevie Wonder – Mr. Marsh has two of his album covers in his office. “If I could, I would bring all the [Stevie Wonder] album covers I have at home,” Mr. Marsh said, laughing.

2. He wants the Equity & Inclusion Team to spearhead its own initiatives.

One of Mr. Marsh’s primary roles is to lead the Equity and Inclusion Team (EIT). He notes that EIT members wanted more self-empowered leadership in organizing these events, saying, “I want to provide students the skills to lead and take ownership so that I can oversee the council instead of run it.” 

He says EIT is continuing much of its past work— organizing Diversi-teas, sending students to the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, and hosting the New Jersey Students of Color Conference.

3. He loves watching football and basketball.

Mr. Marsh loves sports of all kinds: “The Giants, Knicks, Yankees, and Rangers – I can watch sports all day,” he says. He loves American football and basketball the most, both in college and professional divisions.

4. He is introducing faculty roundtable discussions to NA.

Mr. Marsh wants to expand the DEI programming at NA to involve more faculty. He hopes to implement EIB (Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Roundtables — informal discussions for staff. Mr. Marsh says, “I also hope they can take what they learn from these discussions and implement them in the classroom environment, especially as role models for students.”

5. His office is open to everyone!

When I entered Mr. Marsh’s office for the first time, I noticed his collection of movie character figurines and music posters all over the office. Mr. Marsh said, “I always have music playing in my office. If you hear music down the main [old wing] hallway, that’s me!”

Mr. Marsh says his office reflects who he is and hopes it invites others to express themselves comfortably. “Even in the first week, I’ve already had students and faculty come in. Some students even bring their friends to meet me.” As Mr. Marsh embraces change as a new member of the NA community, he is excited to “leave his door open” to students and faculty and work with a diverse group of leaders.