Dear Members of the TC Community,

It is with sorrow that I share news of the passing of Robert Tucker at the age of 84. For more than forty years, Bob served in various roles across the College — including as the Director of Academic Administration (DAA) in what is now the Department of Health Studies & Applied Educational Psychology (HAEP) — before he retired in 2017. He is survived by his siblings, John and Libby, and several other treasured family members. 

Bob’s career at TC began in the Music Education Department, leading him to also work in the Biobehavioral Sciences Department as Assistant to the Dean and in Human Resources as Assistant to the Director of Personnel. After transitioning into his role of DAA, Bob made the department his professional home for the next few decades, committing his time and expertise to help initiate meaningful changes for its future. When Bob’s 25 years of service was recognized at TC’s Long-Term Service Awards ceremony in 2002, he commented that “it's the people and the academic environment that have contributed to the good experiences [he's] had at TC.”

Bob’s love for reading and studying was fueled by his deep curiosity for knowledge and understanding of the world. He received degrees in literature, humanities (psychology) and philosophy, including an M.Ed. in Philosophy of Education from TC, where his advisor was Professor Emeritus Maxine Greene. In a 2014 article for the TC website, Bob commented that “the College’s family-like atmosphere and collaborative space are major reasons why TC has remained at the forefront of education.”

Bob was a cherished alumnus, staff member and friend of our community, and he will be missed. During this difficult time, I extend my deepest condolences to Bob’s family, friends and colleagues on behalf of the College. For more information about how to honor Bob’s life, please visit this link to his obituary here. 

Sincerely,

KerryAnn O'Meara
Provost and Dean of the College
Professor of Higher Education
Teachers College, Columbia University
she/her/hers