Dr. Robert Birkenholz
2019 CFAES Meritorious Service Award
In 2002, Dr. Robert J. Birkenholz assumed the role of Professor and chair of the then-named Department of Human and Community Resource Development or HCRD. Birkenholz provided important leadership during a time of financial struggles for Ohio State and amidst a department finding its identity. In 2009, Bob stepped out of his role to be a professor for what is now the community leadership major and the campus-wide leadership studies minor. He is an important reason why we have the L in ACEL.
Bob’s career is decorated with numerous awards for teaching and advising. In Spring 2018, the CFAES Celebration of Students banquet was dedicated in his honor. He has received several research awards for conference posters, conference papers, the Journal of Agricultural Education and NACTA Journal. He has received the Honorary State FFA Degree in Missouri and Ohio and the Honorary American FFA Degree. Of particular awards of note: Bob was named the Distinguished Lecturer for the American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE) and was also named Fellow for AAAE in 1998. Bob’s legacy of giving to students continues in perpetuity at Ohio State with the Birkenholz Leadership Award Fund established in 2010 by him and his wife, Pam.
On September 1, 2018, Bob officially retired from Ohio State and earned the title of professor emeritus.
Congratulations to Dr. Bob Birkenholz on your recognition for your service to CFAES!
Bob, you have worked hard for the good of the students and earned this honor. Many students benefited from your hard work. I am very proud of you!