Frank E. Ross

Background

About Frank E. Ross

Dr. Frank Ross has dedicated 30 years to advancing the power of education to shape lives, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity. A seasoned executive leader, Dr. Ross has held senior administrative and faculty roles at a diverse range of public and private institutions. For the past 14 years as a vice president, he has led complex organizations and delivered mission-aligned strategies to improve student outcomes, foster institutional excellence, and drive organizational transformation. In addition to his impact within higher education, Dr. Ross has collaborated across sectors—with community partners, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies—to address pressing challenges in mental health, college access, and student success. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and sustainable impact across education and community systems. A recognized practitioner-scholar, Dr. Ross has contributed extensively to the field through his writing and presentations. He has served as Editor of the Journal of Learning Communities Research and guest-edited the Metropolitan Universities Journal. His latest work, a co-edited book on professional competencies in student affairs, was recently published by NASPA Press. Dr. Ross’s leadership has earned widespread recognition, including honors from NASPA, the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience, the National Academic Advising Association, the American College Personnel Association, and the American Association of Colleges & Universities. He was the 2016 recipient of the Robert H. Shaffer Distinguished Alumni Award from Indiana University, and in 2025 he was named a “Pillar of the Profession” by the NASPA Foundation. Dr. Ross earned a Ph.D. in higher education from Indiana University, master’s degrees in adult and community education from Ball State University and in student affairs from Western Kentucky University, and a Certificate in Fundraising Management from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.