Candidate: Robert (Bob) Abene

                                                      Robert Abene's Biographical Profile

I have been an Educator for nearly 40 years.  I have taught at all levels from preschool through graduate school.  As needed by the diverse group of students and communities I served, I have initiated/administered new programs, served in leadership positions at both state and private educational institutions, as well as presided at 4 institutions of higher learning needing to be strengthened.  Bringing my experience in education to Duval County, I have been active in many community organizations and events, and have been a Substitute Teacher for the Duval Public Schools for the past two years.  For further information, please see my Website: bob4duvalschoolboard.com; and Facebook.com/Bob4DuvalSchoolBoard. Thank you!

Education:

• B.S. (Psychology, Natural Sciences; began in Pre-Med, and because of special needs at that time, also learned to be and worked as a Respiratory Therapist) 
• M.A. (Speech Theapy and Special Education).
• M.S. (Educational Psychology)
• Ed.D. Doctor of Education (Counselor Education and Administration)
• Michigan State U. (Enrolled in Speech Pathology/Audiology Doctoral Classes d, and gave oversight assistance to students during my Teaching Fellowship to students assisting children with serious communication disabilities.)
• Purdue U., Northeastern Ill. U., and Marquette U. (Completed certifications and graduate classes in Institutional Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Fund Development.)
• Received a special Rehabilitation Counseling Cerification from the University of Tennessee with a practicum in  providing services in Sign Language to High School students and workers  throughout several Southern States.

Experience as an Educator and Community Advocate Include:

• High school and College Instructor and Counselor.
• College Dean, Vice President, President, and Board Chair: President of the Illinois ACPA.
• Provided Speech Therapy and Education at a residential children's hospital school.
• Initiated and directed a College Support Program for students with disabilities.
• Helped develop a state-wide organization for college professionals assisting students with disabilities.
• Initiated fund and program development to stabilize several educational institutions.
• Taught a college level Psychology Course for High School students; and for 6 years initiated and directed a unique and an award winning after-school and summer High School Seniors Volunteer Program to give support and assitance to hospitalized psychiatric patients.
• Researched and promoted the combining of technical education and certification in the community as a supplement to interested high school students and their required courses, greatly reducing the number of school dropouts and leading to their High School graduation along with an additional technical certification.
• Initiated and supervised an academy for short-term occupational certification.

Involvement in DuvalCounty Includes:

• Supported land and water conservation community efforts and school education.
• Assists with community voter education and registration.
• Advocated and helped direct research to expand affordable health care and insurance.
• While living in Georgia and Jacksonville was  Litmus Ventures  American University Partnership Representaive for iinternational high school students wishing to attend US Colleges and Universities.
• Currently assisting Duval Public Schools and students as a Substitute Teacher.

Professional Recognition Includes:

• The Indiana Conference of Higher Education Service Award.
• The ACPA Special Administrative Service Award.