When you ask most individuals who they are, they often respond with the service level response such as their title or their affiliations, and if you're lucky, maybe even 1 or 2 things that pay tribute to their philosophy. However, when you ask Dr. Ryan Ross who he is, the response is quite different. Ross responds "I am an imperfect man who has committed his life to the pursuit of excellence. I am an individual who values family, the real and authentic power of education, and inspiring service in the interests of others. I am a friend who's willing to risk a relationship, to be honest. I am the standing reflection of a young man who was marginalized, counted out, and often discounted. I am unapologetically African American, which means my roots link me to Ghana, Louisiana, and Virginia. I don't know about you, but I've never seen black on any map, that is not my origin story, that is someone else's label."

Ross attributes his perspective to humble beginnings. In the absence of materialism was an abundance of relationships within his village; elders, mentors, and family who shared themselves freely with intention. These relationships taught both positive and negative lessons, lessons, which are invaluable because of what they taught in each interaction.  The greatest lessons learned were:

 

1) We have a responsibility no matter our station in life to serve in the public's interest. The community members must look out for those within the community.

2) Don't quit or be outworked. There are enough challenges for Black men, so don't allow yourself to become a barrier to your achievements.

3) Clean up your chaos. We will make mistakes and bad choices, but we must make it right.

4) People deserve dignity, grace amid ignorance, and an opportunity to become educated.

These lessons are the foundation of Ross and serve as the principles fueling his commitment to education, equity, justice, and supporting others in their self-actualization.

Ross is typically found serving students through the Colorado Community College System, developing people through the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado, and taking any opportunity to add value to his immediate community.

Professionally Ross has worked to create equity and opportunity in NPO's, Educational institutions, and within the private sector.

When discussing his most significant accomplishment and greatest concerns, that answer is the same. Ross reports raising his children with a spirit of excellence, a heart of service, and the courage of the symbolic African lion.

 

Currently, Ross serves two posts; the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Equity, and Inclusion for the Colorado Community College System and the president and CEO of the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado. Ross lives by his motto,  "Why settle on being good when we are designed to be great!"