The Society for Advancement of Management (SAM) is proud to announce Ross Markle, Ph.D., Founder and Managing Director of DIA Higher Education Collaborators, as a Featured Presenter for Educational Research & Measurement Day during the 2026 SAM International Business Conference, taking place at the New England Institute of Technology in Rhode Island.
Dr. Markle is widely recognized for his leadership in advancing the understanding and application of noncognitive skills in higher education. Through his work with DIA Higher Education Collaborators, he helps colleges, universities, and organizations transform Data into Information into Action, emphasizing evidence-based strategies that drive learning, retention, and persistence. His research focuses on the ways noncognitive and cocurricular factors influence educational success, preparing institutions to better understand and support the whole student.
With a deep background in assessment, psychology, and organizational change, Dr. Markle has dedicated his career to improving how educators define, measure, and apply noncognitive skills in both academic and administrative contexts. His work helps institutions strengthen student engagement, align assessment practices with meaningful learning outcomes, and use data to shape effective policies and programs. He also provides professional development for educators, empowering them to integrate assessment tools in ways that promote cultural and organizational improvement across campuses.
Dr. Markle earned his Ph.D. in Assessment & Measurement Psychology from James Madison University, a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. His approach blends rigorous academic research with practical solutions that bridge the gap between educational measurement and institutional action.
Educational Research & Measurement Day will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026, as part of SAM’s collaboration with the Northeastern Educational Research Association (NERA). The program will bring together educators, researchers, and professionals to explore innovative assessment methods, data-driven leadership, and applied research practices. Attendees can participate in this exclusive day of collaboration at a Special Day Rate, which includes all Friday sessions, networking opportunities, and featured presentations.
Join us in Rhode Island for this special event. Register for the full conference now at www.samnational.org/conference. You can also register just for Educational Research & Measurement Day by visiting www.samnational.org/NERA2026