Dr. Michael Russell, a former small business owner, transitioned into a career in alternative education. He is a prominent advocate for integrating esports and gaming into educational environments to engage students who are otherwise disengaged from traditional schooling. Throughout his tenure in the classroom, Dr. Russell has been instrumental in helping educators develop after-school esports programs and incorporate for-credit scholastic gaming into their curricula. His contributions to teaching were recognized with the prestigious Kansas Horizon Award. Dr. Russell is a sought-after speaker at both educational and esports conferences. Continuing his passion for education, Dr. Russell now serves as a board member in the local school district where he formerly taught.