Professor emeritus, 96, dedicated life to education and service

Robert (Bob) N. Saveland, professor emeritus in the College of Education’s Department of Educational Theory and Practice, passed away on Nov. 23, following a brief illness. He was 96.

As a professor in the College’s social studies education program, Saveland contributed to the field of geographic education through both his teaching and writing. During World War II, he served in the Navy on a tank landing ship that delivered troops to Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day.

In 1968, after writing, editing, and publishing several textbooks, Saveland joined the faculty at the University of Georgia’s College of Education. He taught both undergraduate and graduate students at the university before retiring in 1985.

Saveland received several awards later in his life, including in 2012, when he was honored with the George J. Miller Award by the National Council for Geographic Education for his distinguished service to the field. In 2015, he received the Legion of Honor, France’s highest citizen honor created more than 200 years ago by Napoleon, for his service during the Normandy invasion. He donated the medal and other WWII memorabilia to UGA’s Hargrett Library.

Saveland is survived by his daughter Sharron and son-in-law Kent Hannon; his son James and daughter-in-law Barbara; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service honoring his life will be planned for a later date.

Donations may be made in his memory to the University of Georgia Foundation, with designations to the College of Education; the School of Music or the Performing Arts Center; to St. Mary’s Hospice House, where he was cared for in his final days; or to an environmental organization of choice.