Robert Lee Erdman

Professor Emeritus University of Utah

Robert “Bob” Erdman (1927-2011) was born in Milwaukee WI, January 9, 1927 in Granville WI. He received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1947. He completed his graduate studies at the University of Illinois, Champaign, receiving his Doctorate in 1957. Bob met his wife, Millie Weppler, during graduate school and they were married in 1949. He was on the Faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 1958–66 reaching the rank of Professor and Chair of the Department of Special Education.

He was recruited by the University of Utah to develop and chair the Department of Special Education in 1966. He became Dean of the Graduate School of Education in 1976, serving in this role until his return to the Department of Special Education in 1983, retiring in 1987. During his career he authored multiple publications and served as editor for several professional journals. He held numerous leadership positions at the university, state, national and international levels. Bob spent his career as a mentor and advocate for the educators of Utah and across the nation who sought to improve the lives of handicapped and disabled children.