Professor Bob Warren to retire from Dakota State

Bob Warren, Professor of Education at Dakota State University since the Fall of 1995, has decided to retire after the summer of 2002. Warren’s main responsibilities at DSU have been teaching elementary and secondary science methods, and supervising elementary and secondary student teachers. He will complete his teaching at DSU this summer, teaching two classes in the master’s degree program in computer educational and technology – Computer-based Research and Statistics, and Leadership for Technology Change.

“Dr. Warren is not only a true leader and innovator in the field of education, he is also an exceptional friend and colleague to faculty and students,” said Tom Hawley, DSU Dean of Education. “He has enhanced every academic program he has worked with at DSU and has had a remarkable ability to improve the effectiveness of pre-service teachers who work with him.”

“I have many fond memories of DSU,” said Warren when asked what his fondest memory of Dakota State was. “There have been so many students, faculty and staff that have positively touched my life in so many ways.”

Warren recalled when the Lady-Ts basketball team played in its first NAIA National tournament and helping to get the master’s degree in computer education & technology approved by the Board of Regents and accredited by NCA as two of his more fond memories at DSU.

“Being a part of all the students, faculty, community, and parents that knew and supported the efforts of such a great group of young women and coaches as they broke new ground for our athletic program was thrilling,” said Warren.

“During his tenure at DSU, he was instrumental in the development of the first master’s degree program ever offered by the College of Education,” said Hawley. “I have never known anyone more committed to the success and welfare of his students.”

In his retirement, Warren plans to continue to work with two different grants in which he is currently involved. He is part of a support team assisting two school districts, Vermillion and Belle Fourche, in utilizing data to improve student learning. He is also the facilitator for the Mid-Central Distance Learning Cooperative, a group of 12 school districts, funded by a DIAL grant. The grant focuses on using distance learning to improve teaching and learning, as well as community development.

Warren also plans to continue teaching the Leadership for Technology Change class (an Internet class) in the master’s program.

“If things work out, I might represent DSU in its first faculty exchange with China,” added Warren.

Warren and his wife, Kathy, who is now retired from the teaching profession, plan to travel extensively.

“We’ll be visiting friends in New Zealand and Germany, spending more time with family in Texas, and doing a lot of fishing and camping,” said Warren. “Exercise has always been a big part of my life, so I will continue to run, swim and bike. I have a goal to ride my bike from Madison, SD to Kingsville, Texas.”

“He always gives generously of his time to a wide-variety of university activities and is an avid fan of DSU athletics,” added Hawley. “I sincerely wish Bob and Kathy the best in their retirement.”

Warren and his wife have four children and five grandchildren, all residing in South Texas.

In his career, Warren has taught in public school for 6 years and at the university level for 32 years. In addition to teaching at Dakota State for seven years, he’s taught at Texas A&M-Kingsville, (20 years), Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, (five summers) and University of Alaska-Southeast, (five years).

“Being a part of DSU as it continues its state and national recognition is a great way to end a career,” said Warren.