William Shakespeare wrote “Parting is such sweet sorrow,” and so we are about to bid an adieu to one of our own.
Richard A. Ross, Southeast Community College’s Dean of Arts and Sciences since 1992, will be retiring. His last day at the office was on December 23, 2013.
During his 21 year tenure at SCC, Ross has seen or been involved in many changes within the arts and sciences at the college such as the expansion of the Academic Transfer program, the increased usage of technology in education, not only at SCC, but also within education in general, and the innovations and increased availability of online education.
Ross said, “I have enjoyed my time at SCC, but it is time. I like the idea of getting up later in the morning.”
Ross was born and raised in Bucklin, Kan., and attended Bucklin High School.
He then attended Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan., earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1964. Ross then went on to Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La., and earned his Master of Arts in Mathematics in 1969.
Ross began his teaching career and for 14 years taught mathematics and coaching the men’s basketball teams at various high schools which included Jewell High School in Jewell, Kan.; Clifton High School, at Clifton, Kan.; and Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Kan.
He then took a break from education, working at a savings and loans for 12 years. Ross then followed that with a part-time position at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan., teaching mathematics.
His first administrative role was at Brown Mackie College, where he was Academic Dean for two years.
In 1992, Ross arrived at SCC to take the position of Dean of the Arts and Sciences Division and has been there ever since.
Ross has been a life-long fan of college basketball and keeps up with his favorite team, the University of Kansas Jayhawks.
Ross has been married 43 years to his wife Ilene. They have three children, two boys and a daughter, and also seven grandchildren.
During his retirement, Ross said he will be quite busy taking two-hour driving trips throughout the Midwest. “Many times we would drive through places and not
having the time to see them,” Ross said. “Now we shall have that time to stop and see those places.”
He will also have more time to see his grandchildren.
“The grandkids are very active in sports,” Ross said, “and I will able to watch then from time to time.”