Dr. Phip Ross, a Nebraska-based educator and advocate for students with learning differences, has been named the 2026 Sam Kirk Educator of the Year by the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA). The prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions to inclusive education and exceptional support for learners with diverse needs.
Ross, faculty member and program chair of Developmental English at Southeast Community College (SCC) in Lincoln, will be formally presented with the Sam Kirk Award at LDA’s 63rd Annual International Conference in St. Louis on February 17, 2026.
A longtime champion for expanding access and opportunity for students who learn differently, Ross has dedicated his career to strengthening instructional practices, building faculty understanding of learning disabilities, and reimagining classroom structures to support the full range of learners.
Dr. Ross’s journey in learning-differences education was shaped in part by his professional development at Landmark College, where he completed the certificate program in executive functioning. After studying learning differences in the certificate program, Ross later served as an adjunct faculty member at Landmark. His work in curriculum design and his leadership in launching SCC’s Transitions Program — a non-credit course series that equips students with key reading, writing, math, technology, and study skills — has helped thousands of students bridge into college-level coursework with confidence and success.
“LDA is pleased to honor Dr. Ross with the 2026 Sam Kirk Award,” said Cindy Cipoletti, CEO of the Learning Disabilities Association of America. “Dr. Ross’s dedication to innovative education for students with learning disabilities embodies the mission of LDA.”
“Dr. Phip Ross is a very deserving recipient of the Sam Kirk Educator of the Year Award,” said Dr. Adam Lalor, Vice President of Neurodiversity Research and Innovation at Landmark College. “We’re proud of the impact Dr. Ross and all of our educator alumni make across the country to improve education for neurodivergent learners."
Learn more about professional development offerings of the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training.