Robert R. Davila
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Dr. Robert Davila is the ninth president of Gallaudet University,[1][2] the world's only university in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students. His appointment came after the wake of the Unity for Gallaudet Movement protests of 2006,[3] when many students, staff, and alumni objected to the installation of president-designate Jane Fernandes.[4][5] Although he is officially the university's ninth president, the Board of Trustees has limited his term to 18-24 months.
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[edit] Early life
Robert Davila was born in southern California to Mexican parents who worked in fields and orchards. At age eight, he contracted spinal meningitis and became deaf. When his mother learned about a school for the deaf in northern California, she sent Roberto (his childhood name) alone on a journey to the California School for the Deaf in Berkeley (which later moved to California School for the Deaf, Fremont).
[edit] Education
Davila graduated from Gallaudet University, with a Bachelor's in Education. He then went to Hunter College with a Master's in Special Education. To complete his education, he attended and graduated from Syracuse University with a Ph.D. in Educational Technology. He also has received honorary degrees from Gallaudet, RIT, Stonehill College, and Hunter College.[2][6]
[edit] Professional career
Davila served as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services of the United States from 1989 to 1993 during the administration of George H.W. Bush.[6] Educationally, Dr. Davila has experience teaching high school math, being an assistant principal, serving as a K-12 superintendent. He worked as professor, a college administrator and Vice President of Gallaudet University in the 1970s and '80s. He was headmaster of the New York School for the Deaf at White Plains 1993 to 1996 as well as CEO of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf 1996 from 2006.[6] On December 10 2006 Davila was named Interim President of Gallaudet[7], enacted at the start of 2007.[7][2]
[edit] Speeches
Davila, Robert R., Acceptance speech upon being selected President of Gallaudet University, 2006. (Download text of speech: http://saveourdeafschools.org/robert_davila_acceptance_speech_2006.pdf)
Davila, Robert R., Installation speech as Gallaudet's Ninth President, 2007. (Download text of speech: http://saveourdeafschools.org/robert_davila_installation_speech_2007.pdf)
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