Diane Ross

Diane Ross is a Professor in the Department of Education at Otterbein University. With 17 years of experience as a middle-grade teacher, she now teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in middle childhood education and multicultural education. Her research focuses on social justice, young adolescent development, and international education, particularly in Uganda. She has led initiatives to build libraries and improve menstrual hygiene management and sexual reproductive health for young girls in Uganda since 2007. Ross holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Kent State University (2004), a Master’s in Reading Supervision from the University of Akron (1990), and a Bachelor’s in Speech and Psychology from The College of Wooster (1980).

Her research explores culturally competent teaching, socio-political consciousness in education, and global teacher preparation. She has presented guest lectures at Ugandan universities, including Nile University (2015–2016), Makerere University (2014), and Ugandan Christian University (2014). Her work emphasizes cross-cultural collaboration and social justice advocacy in education.

Ross has been recognized with awards such as the Fulbright Scholarship (2016), Otterbein College Advisor of the Year (2007–2008), and the Martha Holden Jennings Master Teacher Award (1994). Her publications span topics like middle childhood licensure, collaborative research processes, and culturally responsive pedagogy. She has also led projects like Project SAIL, a college/school partnership for middle school reform in Ohio.