Ross Named 2026 Sam Kirk Educator of the Year by the LDA
Southeast Community College Instructor Dr. Phip Ross has been named the 2026 Sam Kirk Educator of the Year by the Learning Disabilities Association of America. The award was presented on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the LDA’s 63rd Annual International Conference at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri.
The award is named in honor of Dr. Samuel Kirk, a pioneering figure in the field of learning disabilities, and is presented annually to an outstanding educator who has made significant contributions to the field. Ross is the program chair of Developmental English on SCC’s Lincoln campus. He has spent his career at SCC working alongside a team of English faculty focused on supporting all learners, regardless of academic background. His philosophy centers on building a sense of belonging and trust in the classroom to help students grow in confidence, find their voice, and become their own advocate.
“It’s humbling. So many dedicated educators are building rich supports for diverse student needs in the K-20 classes,” Phip said of the award. “Building a sense of belonging and relationship with every student is my responsibility, so students can take risks, build their voices, and self-advocate for themselves. So many of the supports we might think are for struggling students are supports for most students. So, it’s really just about teaching.”
Ross’ dedication to improving instruction for diverse learners led him to study learning differences at Landmark College where he later became an adjunct faculty member. At SCC, he led the effort to redesign the structure and curriculum of developmental English course sequences. In addition, he facilitates training with faculty and tutors to promote a broader understanding of learning disabilities.
He also developed SCC’s Transitions Program, a non-credit course that prepares students for college-level courses through practice in reading, writing, math, computer skills, and study strategies. This program was born out of a grant which brough faculty and administrators together from across the College to build a bridge for incoming students regardless of their placement scores.
“The grant really gave the opportunity to work across departments and campuses at SCC and get a bigger picture and collaborate,” Ross explained. “I’m so grateful to have played a part to see us address this huge opportunity and how it evolves.”
Ross credits much of SCC’s progress on student success to a college-wide commitment to meeting the whole student. This includes academic advising to tutoring to mental health to an on-campus food pantry.
“I believe SCC has come a long way to support students who may or may not have taken college track courses in high school or have been away from academics,” said Ross. “We all have failed while probably being successful handling other priorities. Success needs a wide lens. It’s an exciting time to be a part of and witness the investment in student success.”
Dr. Carolee Ritter, dean of Arts and Sciences at SCC, agrees. “Dr. Ross has focused on improving the institution to adapt to student, not change who students are.”
Jennifer Snyder
Communications Specialist
402-323-3393
jsnyder@southeast.edu