Oak Ridge – Robert S. Eby, senior consultant at Navarro Research and Engineering, was recently elected Chairman of the Tennessee State Board of Education, an achievement that marks nearly four decades of service to his community. The election, held in the state’s capitol earlier this month, commits Eby to a two-year term.

Eby brings demonstrated experience and commitment to his new role. His service started on the local le  vel when he was elected to the Oak Ridge Board of Education in 1986. He served as Chairman of the board from 1991 to 1995, and as Vice-Chairman from 2009 to 2018. During that time, Eby was integral to the development and implementation of multiple programs for Oak Ridge schools. In 2018, former Governor Haslam appointed Eby to a five-year term on the State Board of Education in recognition of his outstanding service. Recently, Lt. Governor McNally appointed Eby to another five-year term, which extends his board membership until March 2028.

Since his appointment to the State of Board of Education, Eby has served two terms as Vice-Chairman while representing Congressional District 3. As Vice-Chairman, Eby was a steadfast proponent of the state’s Master Plan, which closely mirrors Oak Ridge 2020, a framework developed by the Oak Ridge school system to enhance educational outcomes for students. Eby hopes to see similar plans adopted throughout the state, as they have greatly increased the percentage of students who have earned a post-secondary credential.

Looking back at an accomplished career spanning almost five decades, Eby recognizes the value of his own education. He holds bachelor and master of science degrees in chemical engineering, both from the University of Tennessee. He also holds a diploma from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business Executive Program. Eby’s field, radiochemical processing, demands the technical and leadership abilities he gained over the course of his education.

Eby’s career accomplishments include development of new technologies for nuclear waste management and processing; development of new technologies for environmental remediation and research reactor decommissioning, deactivation, demolition, and de-licensing; holding three patents in his field; writing more than 50 worldwide presentations and publications; and serving as Plant Manager for the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant, an operation that involved 4,000 personnel.

“I have been fortunate to pursue educational opportunities that have helped me develop in my career and in my personal life,” Eby said. “A strong foundational education helps people grow both personally and professionally. I understand that as someone who has experienced it firsthand, and as someone who has seen the positive results of our state’s initiatives over the past 37 years. My hope is to continue to expand opportunities for students across our state.”

For more information, visit https://www.tn.gov/sbe/news/2023/2/21/state-board-of-education-elects-new-officers.html

Robert Eby is a former Vice President and senior consultant at Navarro Research and Engineering Inc., an award-winning federal contractor that provides comprehensive solutions for environmental challenges faced across the United States. Navarro specializes in clean energy, environmental remediation, nuclear operations, facilities management, and technical and professional services. Clients include the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, the National Nuclear Security Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. For more information, please visit Navarro-inc.com.