Amherst, Robert “Bobby Don” Colbert, age 65, of Amherst, Massachusetts, died Friday, August 12, 2016, in Boston, Massachusetts.  Robert was born September 28, 1950, in Reagan, Texas, the son of Bobbie Jean (Coleman) Nickols (d. February 5, 1995) and Vernon Colbert (d. April 20, 1997). He was preceded in death by one brother, Johnny Lee Woods (d. February 7, 1990). He married Marjorie Lyn Magouirk Colbert on June 28, 1973, in Lawrence, Kansas. Their daughters Melissa Lynn Colbert and her fiancé Kristi Lynne Woodworth and Jennifer Marie Colbert survive. He is also survived by a sister Sabrina Simpson, and beloved extended family.

Robert graduated from high school in Littlefield, Texas, and continued his education receiving a B.S. in Education and an M.S. in School Counseling from the University of Kansas, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin Madison.  His academic career included faculty positions at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Connecticut Storrs where he was tenured and served as Coordinator of the School Counseling Program.

His research focused on strategies for preparing school counselors for work in urban environments and in increasing college attendance by urban youth.  Robert was an avid long-distance runner, a dedicated golfer, enjoyed meditation and playing his guitar.  Family and friendships were important in his life and he would have been humbled by the recognition of many who considered him an important figure in their lives. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will occur at a later date.  Memorials can be sent to the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education Dean’s Fund on behalf of Robert Colbert for school counseling students of color.