The college is home to remarkable talent, and professors Donna Y. Ford and James L. Moore III are vibrant examples of “academic titans,” said one collaborator. Recently, their exceptional contributions were recognized by prestigious awards, highlighting their dedication to improving lives.
Moore, who is the EHE Distinguished Professor of Urban Education, received a lifetime achievement award from his native state of South Carolina.
The Order of the Palmetto was bestowed on him by the governor. Rita Allison, a former state representative and now member of the South Carolina School Board, presented the award to Moore in a Jan. 25 ceremony on the governor’s behalf.
In March, Ford, who is the EHE Distinguished Professor with a focus on special and gifted education, will be honored by the Council for Exceptional Children at its annual conference.
Her receipt of the prestigious Special Education Lifetime Achievement Award will be a testament to her commitment to the field and her impact on supporting youth with exceptionalities.
For these reasons and more, the two professors have again been ranked among the best of the best. They once again place prominently in the 2025 RHSU Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings. According to Education Week, which hosts the rankings, it “ranks the 200 university-based scholars in the United States who did the most last year to shape educational practice and policy.”
Erik Hines, professor of counselor education at George Mason University and frequent research collaborator, aptly refers to the pair as “academic titans."
Moore contributes to STEM education nationally
In an interview with the publication Diverse, Moore said that he is humbled to receive the highest honor to a civilian of South Carolina. “Service to humanity is the hallmark of my philosophy, and in many ways, it shaped who I am and what I'm about in my day to day.”
With over 22 years at Ohio State as a professor of counselor education, among other roles, Moore is now on loan from the university, serving as assistant director for the Directorate for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Education and a member of the executive leadership team at the U.S. National Science Foundation.
In November 2024, NSF announced a latest funding opportunity to train and expand the United States workforce across a range of key technologies, including advanced manufacturing, microelectronics and biotechnology.
“Across the agency, we are thrilled to see the continued growth of the NSF ExLENT program,” Moore said about the Experiential Learning in Emerging and Novel Technologies program in the foundation’s news release. “It is truly making an impact in every corner of the country. Through such investments, NSF is able to contribute to helping the Nation build a workforce that can solve grand challenges in STEM.”
While fully engaged in his national role, Moore takes personal time to connect with colleagues at Ohio State. Together, they publish research papers in scholarly journals and research-based opinion pieces, as well as mentor students on their educational journeys.
“I have known Dr. Moore for over 20 years, and I am not surprised that he has been given the highest civilian honor from his home state. ...” said Erik M. Hines, professor of counseling at George Mason University and the scholarly collaborator who coined the term “academic titans.”
“He … has shown time and time again his transformational and significant impact as an eminent scholar and leader in education research, STEM education and education policy, as well as being a former educator in P-12 schools.”
“Dr. Moore is a north star as he personifies what it means to … lead with commitment and purpose to make his … state a beacon of greatness and talent!”
Ford supports teachers of special education, gifted students
EHE Distinguished Professor Donna Y. Ford shares her knowledge widely with the field. As a prolific author, she has written or co-authored 14 books and more than 300 book chapters and journal articles.
Although she conducts technical research, her works are replete with practical advice about how to improve educational opportunities for young students, especially for the gifted. She also writes opinion pieces for media outlets, again with practical advice for teachers and administrators. She presents widely to audiences across the country and around the world.
“I nominated Dr. Ford for the (Council for Exceptional Children) award as she has dedicated her entire career to giving a voice to the voiceless and advocates for vulnerable student populations in P-12 schools,” Hines said. “Dr. Ford is a prolific, eminent scholar. She has written numerous seminal pieces that have transformed the fields of special education and gifted and talented education."
“Also, Dr. Ford has helped countless colleagues and faculty publish impactful scholarship as well as perfect their practice in the aforementioned fields,” he said. “Dr. Ford is the embodiment of a consummate educator who has a heart for students in which she uses her intellectual ingenuity to improve their educational outcomes.”
During the course of her 33-year university career, other scholars have cited her research more than 21,000 times, according to Google Scholar.
In her role as a professor, Ford guides many students on their pathway to success. One of those doctoral students, Jason Segrest, works as an administrator at Columbus State Community College and has taught courses in workforce development.
“Caring, supportive, and an exceptional mentor, Dr. Donna Y. Ford has been pivotal to my growth as a doctoral student and aspiring scholar,” he said. “She encourages me to think critically, push beyond my limits and embrace my purpose as an emerging scholar.”
“Over the years, her guidance has strengthened my confidence, deepened my understanding of critical research and inspired me to pursue meaningful scholarship that drives change. I am grateful for her steadfast support and will always cherish her mentorship.”
