The Russell A. Runnells papers contain reprints of published and unpublished scientific articles on animal pathology written by Runnells. A list of Runnells' publications by Runnells and correspondence relating to his professional and student careers are included in this collection.

The collection also includes a program for the Initiation Banquet held by the Iowa State College Chapter of Sigma Xi in 1943, when Runnells was the president. The president’s address for this 1943 Sigma Xi event is also included in the collection.

The fifty-eighth Annual Commencement Program for the Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University), when Russell A. Runnells received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree is in this collection.

The collection includes American College of Veterinary Pathologists' meeting minutes, constitution, and a report when Runnells was a member.

There are documents that concern Runnells’ retirement from Michigan State University in 1955 and a parting letter to friends he co-wrote with Henrick J. Stafseth. Additionally, the collection contains photographs and postcards. The subjects of the images include student activities at Michigan State University, a class photo for classes of 1923-1926, and military topics. The collection is arranged alphabetically by subject.