Professor Bob Hendrickson celebrates 25 years

Professor Bob Hendrickson enjoys his new Penn State University chair after 25 years of service

On Friday, September 25th, over 50 people gathered on Rackley’s third floor to celebrate Professor Robert Hendrickson’s 25 years of service to Penn State. Cake and remarks from notable administrators, fellow faculty members, and student advisees accompanied the presentation by Dean David Monk of a commemorative chair and plaque.

“Bob is an amateur architect,” said Dean Monk. Offering just one example of the many contributions made by Hendrickson, the Dean elaborated, “The design here in this building [Rackley] has a lot to do with Bob Hendrickson and his insight into what could be done with what was a sort of tired, traditional building that I think has been transformed in wonderful ways.”

Professor Bob Hendrickson with Dean David Monk

Hendickson has served as Head of the Department of Education Policy Studies for eight years and professor-in-charge (PIC) of the Higher Education Program for nine. Most recently, he served six-and-a-half years as Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, Research & Faculty Development within the College of Education. In connection with Hendrickson’s latter position in the Dean’s office, Don Heller, Director of the Center for the Study of Higher Education, joked, “He’s got great intelligence on what goes on over there.”

In his remarks to the gathering, Hendrickson recognized his wife and family, including his two young, giggly granddaughters who were present.

“This has been a great ride,” said Hendrickson, who noted that he has worked for three deans and four department heads over the years. He went on to thank all the faculty for allowing him to serve as department chair in the ’90s and the higher education faculty for “trusting me to serve as the professor-in-charge before I was even tenured.” After a brief pause, Hendrickson said, “That’s highly irregular,” and joked, “I’m surprised I got tenure.”

Hendrickson also expressed heartfelt thanks to the staff assistants and said it was an honor to work with each of them.

In closing his remarks, Hendrickson said, “The most rewarding part of the job has been working with the students. Watching you all grow and develop has been such a rewarding thing for me.”

One of Hendrickson’s advisees informed the gathering that there is a strong, proud contingent of “Bob Hendrickson alumni” who “think that he’s the best Ph.D. advisor there is.”

Gerry LeTendre, Department Head of Education Policy Studies, said, “Thank you for being a wonderful mentor.”

Also highlighting Hendrickson’s strength as a role model, Professor Pat Terenzini shared the following story: “In 1989, I was at the top of my game in terms of studying and understanding the effects of college on students. I knew I was coming to Penn State, and I got a phone call one afternoon from Bob who was then the PIC. He said, ‘We’re putting together the course schedule for Spring 1990. How’d you like to teach the Curriculum course?’ And I thought he was joking!” Continuing, Terenzini said, “I took a message from that request that’s been characteristic of Bob, and that’s been his willingness to step up as a good citizen in the program and department to do something that he may not want to do, but he’s willing to do it anyway. He’s been a fine role model for me in that regard, and I appreciate that.”

Reporting by Melanie Fedri.