2. Summary
• Born in southern California
• Age 8, spinal meningitis
• Went to School for the deaf in Berkeley
• First deaf Hispanic to earn a doctorate degree
• Was the first Vice President for the National
Technical Institute for the Deaf
3. Education
• Graduated from Gallaudet University
• Bachelor in Education
• Hunter College for masters in Special Education
• Completed education in Syracuse University with
a Ph. D in Education Technology
4. Professional Career
• Was a Assistant Secretary for Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services of the US
Department of Education from 1989-1993
• In the 1970s to 1980s he was a professor, a
college administrator and Vice President of
Gallaudet University
• In 1993- 1996 he was the headmaster of NY
school for deaf at white Plains and was the CEO
of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf
between 1996-2006
5. Professional Career
• Around December 10, 2006 Robert served as the 9th
president of Gallaudet University (the only university
which all programs and services are specifically
designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing
students)
• He was appointed after the Gallaudet Movement
protests in 2006 where many students and staff alumni
objected to the initial choice of Jane Fernades as the
next President
• He serves for 26 months and stepped down on
December 31, 2009