Robert K. Abernathy Named Dean of Instruction, STEM Pathway

Rob Abernathy is Founder and Principal at KenMar SCS, a strategy and leadership consultancy serving those in the higher education and technical training, national security and aerospace, and executive leadership arenas. Previous collaborations include the University of Northern Colorado, the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland, Colorado, University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute, and Boeing Company. He is a former board member of Bright Futures, Weld County and ACE (Achieving Community Excellence) of Greeley, Colorado.

A retired Senior Military Officer, Rob has over 20 years' experience in the development, delivery, assessment, and administration of higher education and technical training

programs.

A 2023 graduate of University of Oxford’s Executive Leadership Programme, Rob’s

leadership philosophy is a simple one focused on the collaborative cultivation of

professionals in a dynamic environment, which is providing compassionate

leadership dedicated to service, strength of character, and personal fulfillment

through conscientious discovery. For more than three decades Rob has devoted

himself to managing world-class organizations and leading their people to sustained

excellence.

Prior to his current role, Rob served as Academic Dean, Division of Public Safety,

Transportation and Workforce Development at Aims Community College, where his

efforts were instrumental in developing the college’s first bachelor’s degree, crafting an Allied Health Guided Pathways model, modernizing Aims’ Aviation Department, and

expanding the college’s Continuing Education and Corporate Training programs. While Associate Dean at Everett Community College, Rob had the opportunity to lead his school in a cultural pluralism education effort focused on diversity and equity, underserved and marginalized populations, and the impacts of privilege and bias. From Chair and Professor at Air University to Campus Provost for the Community College of the Air Force, from Education Council Member, Joint Special Operations University to CEO of a multi-campus technical training organization, Rob is no stranger to the comprehensive teaching and learning environment.

Rob’s research interests include the influence of effective communication on leadership and learning; establishing agency and igniting innovation in the modern workplace; and leveraging compassion, comportment, and communication in pursuit of leadership excellence. His co- authored work The Eight Imperatives of Effective Adult Learning was selected as required reading in Colorado State University-Global’s organizational leadership master’s program. 

A lifelong learner, Rob earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of New Mexico and holds master’s degrees in Aeronautical Science, National Security and Strategic Studies, Airpower Art and Science, and Strategic Studies.