Pictured: Ken Carano
Written by Maureen Brakke
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Ken Carano, Ph.D., has been selected as the T.H. Gentle Professor of Education for the 2025-2026 academic year at Western Oregon University. A Division of Education and Leadership professor, Carano specializes in social studies education.
During his tenure as the Gentle Professor, Carano will collaborate with teacher partners to integrate Latinè voices into curricula, resources, and educational materials. This initiative will culminate in an electronic book focused on Latinè histories and geographies, providing educators with lesson plans and primary sources free of charge.
The T.H. Gentle Professorship is the only endowed professorship at Western Oregon University, rotating annually through a competitive review and selection process. Established nearly 30 years ago by alumni and leaders in the College of Education, the award recognizes excellence in education.
Carano has been an integral partner with the Center for Geography Education in Oregon and has served as a consultant to the Secretary of State of Oregon for civics education. His previous experience includes volunteering with the Peace Corps in Suriname. “Dr. Carano is a respected leader in social studies education, and this recognition is well-deserved,” says Mark Girod, Dean of the College of Education.
Before joining higher education, Carano taught high school social studies in Sarasota, Florida. His scholarship focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion, both locally and globally. He has authored and co-authored over 50 academic articles and a book on middle school social studies and is set to publish a co-edited, open-source book titled Teaching Black Histories and Geographies through Primary Sources this summer.
Carano’s work emphasizes finding ways to decenter his own privileged voice, prioritizing learning through others’ perspectives rather than merely teaching about them.
“Considering the many amazing colleagues who have preceded me in being named the T.H. Gentle Professor of Education, this is quite an honor. Additionally, I am grateful to have colleagues supporting me in editing an open-source book of Latinè lesson plans authored by diverse K-12 educators through this endowment.”
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
