Russell E. Thornhill

Russell E. Thornhill, EdD, is a Professor at Antioch University Los Angeles within the Undergraduate Studies school, co-directing the Bridge Program and teaching courses in nonprofit management and social justice leadership. He is a retired pastor of Unity Fellowship of Christ Church LA and current CEO of the Minority AIDS Project. His work bridges academia, progressive theology, and activism for marginalized communities.

• BA in Liberal Studies (2013), MA in Organizational Management (2014) from Antioch University, MA in Religious Studies (2018) from Claremont School of Theology

Russell’s research and teaching focus on critical biblical engagement, education equity for non-traditional learners, and nonprofit leadership ethics. His article A Scholarly Personal Narrative... (2018) explores intersections of Black queer identity, religious critique, and liberation theology. This aligns with his advocacy for marginalized groups through the Bridge Program and HIV/AIDS support work.

• Life Time Achievement Award, Love Freedom Movement (2023)
• Distinguished Alumnus Award, Claremont School of Theology (2021-2022)
• Founder's Award, In The Meantime Men's Group (2008)

As co-director of Antioch’s Bridge Program, he has helped over 700 low-income students access free college education since 2010. His leadership combines nonprofit management expertise (25+ years in restaurant industry, 20+ in nonprofit sector) with theological scholarship to create inclusive learning environments.