Rob Rutherford specialized in emotional and behavioral disorders and youth with disabilities in the juvenile justice system. He is best known for his work at Arizona State University and is revered as a teacher and mentor, researcher and member, and a friend. He authored and/or co-authored over 150 publications; gave at least that many conference presentations; guided numerous successful doctoral students, was awarded dozens of state and federal grants; and was the recipient of national awards, including the CCBD 2006 Leadership Award and two Fulbright-Hayes Scholarships. He founded the Teacher Educators for Children with Behavioral Disorders (TECBD) conference, which he organized and hosted for 31 years. 
– C. Michael Nelson