The power of yes — that is Professor of Physical Education Bob Weathers.
Yes, I will be the chair of the department. Yes, I will mentor that young faculty member. Yes, I will serve on that committee; teach that class; go to Venezuela, Belize, and the Galapagos Islands. And yes, I will be your colleague, mentor, advisor, and friend.
Given the way Bob likes to travel and evidence of his willingness to say yes, let’s begin with the academic journey that brought him to SPU.
Bob began his academic career at John Brown University in Arkansas as an art major and competitive diver. He traveled (not too far) to the University of Arkansas for a master’s in physical education. Next he taught two years at Tarrant County Junior College in Texas, then moved to Westmont College in California.
While at Westmont, Bob began his doctoral studies at the University of Southern California. He completed his coursework at Brigham Young University in Utah, and took a position at Bethel University in Minnesota.
Then he came to Seattle Pacific University in 1978. While his home base was Seattle and SPU, he continued traveling with students to Venezuela (12 times), Belize (7 times), the Galapagos Islands (5 times), Yucatán and the Virgin Islands (2 times each), and Fiji (only once).
In addition to all of this external travel, Bob travelled the roads of Seattle on his bike to SPU; managed to teach 56 different classes for a total of 1,027 credits; and served on countless SPU committees. In fact, there were only two committees on which he didn’t serve: Faculty Status and Faculty Affairs.
In retirement, Bob will continue to say yes — to his wonderful wife and partner, Judy, and to his sons and their families, especially his beloved grandchildren. He will travel to far off lands, enjoy beaches, go on mission trips, and thoroughly enjoy life without grading papers.
But most of all, Bob will always say yes to whatever the Lord asks of him. That is the true power of yes, and of Bob Weathers.
All the best, Professor Bob Weathers!
Posted: Tuesday, August 3, 2010