ONU alumnus Dr. Robert Taylor ’77 was recently named “District
Superintendent of the Year” by the Indiana Association of Public School
Superintendents. He began serving as superintendent of the Lebanon Community
School Corporation in 2007.
Dr. Taylor’s impressive career in education is virtually unmatched, having served
as teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal across all grade levels
and on two continents. From 1981-1995, Dr. Taylor worked in Germany with the Department
of Defense Overseas Education Activity.
“The key to being a successful Christian in the workplace,” he says, “is having
the faith to believe, the strength to commit, and the dedication to minister by
example.”
Born in Corydon, Ind., Robert spent much of his early school
years overseas with his family in both Turkey and Germany. After completing his
high school education back in Greenwood, Ind., he went on to study education at
Olivet Nazarene College, where he was also a varsity letter-winner in
wrestling.
The marks of an Olivet education are written all over Dr. Taylor’s life. What
is most memorable? “People, people, people,” he says. Two ONU professors had a particularly
profound impact on his life.
“Coach Watson impressed me by his example. I learned a very important life
lesson from Coach Watson — appreciating the dedication of an individual’s
commitment to a team goal, verses individual recognitions.
“Professor Collins allowed me to sit at the same potter’s wheel with my future
wife, Jackie Voss ’77, knowing all along that I would never be an artist. But
he gave me the opportunity to ‘sculpt’ a wonderful partnership that is still
strong after 38 years.”
Jackie also works as a school administrator, serving as the director of
guidance and student services. Dr. and Mrs. Taylor have two adult sons, Matthew
and Cole.