Robert E. Wooldridge, professor emeritus of career and technical education, died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, in Flagstaff. He was 88.
Dr. Wooldridge joined NAU as a professor of career and technical education in 1967. He developed the curriculum for the construction management program at NAU and served as chair of the department of Industrial Education. Dr. Wooldridge retired as professor emeritus in 1988 after 21 years with the university.
Dr. Wooldridge was born Jan. 28, 1923, in Claremore, Okla., to Dewey Mae Picaman and Hampton E. Wooldridge. After serving in the military during World War II, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, Okla.,a master’s degree in education from Oklahoma A&M and a doctorate in education from the University of Missouri.
In his early career, Dr. Wooldridge taught at Modesto High School in Modesto, Calif., and as a professor at Eastern Washington State College in Cheney, Wash. He also served as the chief technical adviser to the government of East Pakistan’s Education Directorate through the Ford Foundation in 1965.
In his spare time he enjoyed reading, wood turning and welding. Dr. Wooldridge also was a charter member of the Malpais Kiwanis.
Dr. Wooldridge is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 62 years; daughters Pamela Hightower and Nancy Barker; sons David (Ann) and Scott (Ginette); and grandchildren James, Rafferty and Robert Wooldridge, Heather and Jason Hightower, and Lorraine and Randy Barker.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at the Federated Church, 400 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Arizona Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association, PO Box 40067, Tucson, AZ 85717.