Dr. Robert Evans' death a 'real loss'

Dr. Robert Evans, professor of special education at Marshall, died of a heart attack Aug. 12, just one week before school started.

"It's a real loss to the program," Dr. Robert Angel, special education coordinator, said.

"He taught classes and had skills that none of us had."

Evans was a professor for 19 years and spent 14 years in the special education department.

He graduated with his master's of education in 1973 from University of Miami (Florida) and received his education degree from the University of Virginia in 1980.

"He was very interested in technology and special education," Dr. Carl Johnson, chairman of the College of Education and Human Services, said. "He was willing to take the time to receive extra training to make his classes better."

Evans received many honors. He had an article published in the Gifted Education Quarterly, in 1999, and he received a Certificate of Assistive Technology in 2000.

Before Evans died, he was working to get certified in Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America Assistive Technology Provider, which focused on the use of technology for persons with disabilities.

He had spent the summer attending the RESNA Annual Conference, Johnson said.

"He was really committed to the welfare of his students and was always trying to make his classes better," Dr. Jane McKee, associate dean of the College of Education, said. "He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.