Dean, College of Education and Human Services

Bob is the reigning dean on the Ship campus. Steve Holoviak of the College of Business has been at Ship longer, but not as dean. Besides teacher education, both elementary and secondary, part of Bob’s purview as dean includes counseling, criminal justice, exercise science, military science, social work/gerontology, Head Start Program, and the Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School.

Many, if not all, of the programs within the college have stringent fieldwork requirements, ranging from observing to participation at various levels of involvement. The success of these programs is in part due to the exposure SU students have to real working conditions in their field — something Bob has worked hard to include.

After twenty years at the helm of the oldest college of the university, Bob is preparing to step down at the end of the academic year. He graciously spent some time answering our questions.

What kind of music do you like and who are some of your favorite artists?

I like classic rock, bluegrass, hard rock. I like Credence Clearwater Revival, some bluegrass groups like the Smith Brothers. Basically it’s rock and bluegrass, the music I played when I was young.

What hobbies or activities do you pursue during your free time?

Reading. I play golf. I play my guitar, not quite as much as I used to. And I like to jam with other musicians when I can.

What would you most likely forget in packing for a trip?

My razor, invariably my razor. I don’t have much of a beard so it’s the last thing I’m thinking about.

What is the last thing you have done for the first time?

Went to Quebec and Montreal and loved every minute of it.

What is something about you that would surprise most people?

I played professional baseball for four years at the A and AA level as a catcher. One other thing people don’t know — when I was in the Army I was in an airborne division and was one of those guys who jumped out of planes.

What design flaw in the world would you like to see changed?

Dependence on oil.

Who can always make you laugh?

My wife. She laughs at me and I laugh with her.

What is your definition of a good life?

You should be able to support a family and use the opportunity to help others. Just helping yourself and your family is meaningful, but when you help others you broaden the scope and the experience.

Stooges or Marx Brothers?

Oh, Three Stooges by far.

You personalized a T-shirt just for you — what’s your slogan?

Better tomorrows by better todays.

Describe your favorite meal.

Mmm, a large Porterhouse steak, a baked potato, and asparagus with something chocolate for dessert.

What’s the most memorable place you have been? Why?

The Outback in Australia and a small town in New Zealand. When you drove into this small town, steam was coming up everywhere as the result of volcanic action. The town derived all its heating and cooking from volcanic steam. It was very, very fascinating.

If you could have one superpower what would it be?

Stop war period. If you are not fighting you can begin to talk.

What is the nicest thing someone has said to you?

Other than personal comments with loved ones, the nicest thing anyone can say to me is a heartfelt thank you. Basically I deal with people and try to help them. A sincere thank you means I did what I set out to do and helped another human being.