Russell County is located in east Alabama on the Alabama/Georgia border. This progressive growing county affords the serene atmosphere and friendly environment of a rural area but also includes the services of Phenix City. Directly across the Chattahoochee River is Columbus, Georgia, which offers the amenities of a larger city. Fort Benning, Georgia, is in close proximity and is creating growth in the bi-city area. Booming agricultural, timber and paper industries are cornerstones of Russell County's predominant workforce. WestRock, Inc. is a paper mill located south of the school system and one of the largest employers in the local community. Chattahoochee Valley Community College and Troy University are two higher educational institutions that provide an array of educational services within the system. The alignment of higher learning through activities and courses for students and teachers in the system has provided access for high school students in dual enrollment and professional activities for instructional staff. Additionally, there are other colleges and universities within a 50-mile radius of Russell County. These include Auburn University, Southern Union Community College, Columbus State University, Columbus Technical College, Tuskegee University, LaGrange College, Troy University (Fort Benning), and Georgia Military College.