Federick Ngo, nationally recognized scholar in higher education policy, joins Pullias Center and USC Rossier faculty

USC Rossier is proud to announce that Federick Ngo PhD ’17 will be joining the Pullias Center and USC Rossier faculty as an associate professor beginning Fall 2026. Ngo is a scholar in higher education policy whose research, teaching and leadership will strengthen the school’s commitment to advancing equity, access and student success across postsecondary systems.

“I am honored to re-join the USC Rossier community,” said Ngo, who received his PhD in Urban Education Policy in 2017. “Rossier’s commitment to equity, rigorous scholarship and public impact closely aligns with my own work, and I look forward to collaborating with faculty and students to advance research that improves postsecondary opportunity and outcomes.”

Ngo comes to USC Rossier from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he was an associate professor of higher education and received the UNLV Outstanding Faculty Award in 2024. His work focused on how higher education policies and practices shape college access and success, with particular emphasis on community college students, developmental education reform and the experiences of underserved populations. His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, the William T. Grant Foundation and the Institute of Education Sciences. An expert in quantitative education policy analysis, Ngo has been published in the Educational Researcher, American Educational Research Journal, Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis and The Journal of Higher Education.

Ngo brings to USC Rossier a commitment to mentoring the next generation of education leaders. He has taught graduate-level courses in higher education leadership and policy, advising masters and doctoral students and serving as a mentor to emerging scholars. His teaching and mentoring reflect a passion for rigorous inquiry with a strong ethic of service to students and community. While studying at USC, he was recognized with the USC PhD Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed on doctoral graduates, for his outstanding academic contributions.

“We are delighted to welcome Federick back to USC Rossier,” said USC Rossier Dean Pedro Noguera. “His expertise in higher education policy and commitment to equity align with our strategic priorities and enrich our faculty community. His research will expand USC Rossier’s capacity to address some of the most pressing challenges in higher education today.”

“Federick’s distinguished research on higher education deeply aligns with Pullias’ mission to generate rigorous, impactful research that drives systemic change,” said Adrianna Kezar, co-director of the USC Pullias Center for Higher Education. “His community college experience will amplify our work on access and student success and expand our capacity to address the complex challenges facing postsecondary education today, while his commitment to mentoring and collaboration will strengthen our entire community.”

Ngo will play a key role in advancing research, teaching and community engagement in higher education policy and practice. He will collaborate with faculty, graduate students and partners to further USC Rossier’s mission of transforming education locally and globally.

“Federick is a highly respected scholar whose work has reshaped conversations about community colleges and higher education policy,” said USC Rossier Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professor of Education Darnell Cole. “His research agenda, mentorship of students and collaborative approach make him an outstanding addition to our faculty and an asset to our academic community.”