Russell James III

Dr. Russell James III is a Professor and The CH Foundation Chair of Personal Financial Planning/Charitable Giving Program Director at Texas Tech University's School of Financial Planning. His work bridges finance, behavioral economics, and philanthropy, with a focus on charitable estate planning and behavioral motives in giving. He previously held academic roles at the University of Georgia and served as College President and Director of Planned Giving at Central Christian College.

Research Interests:

• Charitable giving
• Charitable estate planning
• Behavioral economics
• Neuroeconomics

Recent Trends: His 2021-2023 publications explore gratitude in giving, annuity ownership as bequest protection, and mortality salience effects on retirement decumulation, using experimental and longitudinal methodologies.

Scientific Awards:

• 2022 Teacher of the Year (School of Personal Financial Planning)
• 2012 Teacher of the Year (Personal Financial Planning Association)
• 2009 ACCI CFP® Board Financial Planning Research Award
• 2008 Housing Education and Research Association Early Career Award
• Law school awards for gift/estate taxation and federal income tax law