Russell N. James III

Russell N. James III, J.D., Ph.D., CFP, is a professor in the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University, where he holds the CH Foundation Chair in Personal Financial Planning and directs the on-campus and online graduate program in charitable financial planning. James also serves as an adjunct professor at the Texas Tech University School of Law, teaching charitable gift planning. His expertise spans law, economics, and financial planning, contributing a multidisciplinary perspective to the field of philanthropy and nonprofit fundraising.

Before his academic career, James worked as director of planned giving for Central Christian College and later served as president of the college, overseeing all fundraising activities. During his tenure, the college completed two capital campaigns, constructed new debt-free buildings, and increased enrollment. James graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri School of Law, where he was a member of the Missouri Law Review and received the United Missouri Bank Award for most outstanding work in gift and estate taxation and planning. He also holds a Ph.D. in consumer economics from the University of Missouri, with a dissertation focused on charitable giving.

James has published more than 150 works in academic journals, conference proceedings, and books, with a focus on statistical analysis and experimental research related to gifts, estates, and property. His research incorporates neuroscience, including the first published peer-reviewed study using fMRI to examine charitable bequest decision-making. By integrating neuroimaging, experimental psychology, psychological theory, and survey research, James explores the conscious and subconscious processes involved in bequest decisions. His books include "Inside the Mind of the Bequest Donor," "Visual Planned Giving," "The Storytelling Fundraiser," "The Epic Fundraiser," and "The Primal Fundraiser," which provide practical guidance for fundraising professionals.

James's research on philanthropy and planned giving has been recognized by his induction into the Charitable Gift Planners' Hall of Fame. He has received teaching honors from the Texas Tech University School of Personal Financial Planning and the Personal Financial Planning Association. James has been quoted on charitable and financial issues in news sources such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, ABC News, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, Associated Press, Bloomberg News, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy. His work connects academic research with practical insights for nonprofit professionals, financial advisors, and estate planners.