In January 2007, in memory of Lence, the college of liberal arts and social sciences at the University of Houston renamed its teaching excellence awards the Ross M. Lence Awards for Teaching Excellence in the college of liberal arts and social sciences.

His father, Marlo, was a foreman on the Great Northern Railway; his mother, Nickie stayed home to raise Ross and his brother, John, before taking a job to run a photography studio.

He began teaching at the University of Houston in 1971, where he also served as director of undergraduate studies in the department of political science for 23 years.

Throughout his career, Lence was a perennial participant, leader, and director at Liberty Fund Colloquia.

As a scholar, Ross published articles and edited books on American Political Thought.