In Memoriam: Dr. Robert F. (Bob) Neuhard
(April 2012)
Dr. Robert Neuhard, former director of clinical experiences in the College of Education, passed away April 4, 2012, in Colorado, where he had been living near his son and grandchildren.
Generations of graduate students at Penn State remember Bob as the director of clinical experiences and their mentor in the work of connecting universities and schools in the process of educating new teachers. His specialty was clinical supervision. His work was to develop Penn State’s field experience program to reflect that belief. Through his teaching and mentoring, Bob influenced literally dozens of doctoral students who have gone on to successful careers in teacher education both within Pennsylvania and across the country.
Bob’s early years involved teaching mathematics, after he graduated from Edinboro State College. He served as teacher, coach, counselor, and administrator at Baldwin High School near Pittsburgh. He began his Penn State work as area coordinator of student teaching at the McKeesport Campus. After completing his doctorate at Penn State, he moved to the University Park campus, where he remained until his retirement. During that time, he received the College of Education’s Outstanding Teaching Award in 1978. He opened his home to countless students, colleagues, and friends, and his friendship is cherished by many colleagues both within Penn State and across the Commonwealth.
Bob was an active member of many state and national organizations, including the Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Association of Teacher Educators, and the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators (PAC-TE). Bob was instrumental in the formation of PAC-TE as a leader and past president of the Pennsylvania Association of Teacher Educators. He was chosen Teacher Educator of the Year by PAC-TE in 1991.
The family has requested that donations be made to the Robert F. Neuhard Tribute at The Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org). A celebration of his life will take place on July 9 in Saranac Lake, N.Y.
