Dec. 16, 2025

The University of Rhode Island mourns the death of retired writing and rhetoric professor Robert A. “Bob” Schwegler, who died Nov. 29. He was 79 years old.

Professor Schwegler’s career in higher education spanned a half century, beginning with the University of Cincinnati and Syracuse University. He joined URI in 1978 in the Department of English and Creative Writing shortly after earning his doctorate from the University of Chicago. 

His arrival to URI began what would be a 44-year career at the University before retiring in 2022. In 2023, Professor Schwegler was inducted into the URI Lifetime Service Society, which annually honors and thanks its retiring staff and faculty members who have been employed at the University for 40 years or more.

Drawing on his research on advanced writing curricula, assessment, and error and style, Professor Schwegler authored more than 30 award-winning books and articles that changed the way writing was taught at the college level. He also organized and maintained the National Archives of Composition and Rhetoric.

Professor Schwegler was later instrumental in establishing the independent Department of Writing and Rhetoric in URI’s Harrington School of Communication and Media. He also served on the Faculty Senate, where he helped shape the curriculum across the University.

Professor Schwegler, who resided in Narragansett, was a devoted father to all three of his children, spending countless hours supporting their academic, athletic, and personal achievements. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Brian Schwegler and his wife Tara (Nekrosius) Schwegler; Christopher Schwegler; and Ashley Schwegler; and three grandchildren–Lily, Kira and Colin Schwegler.  

Visitation will be held Dec. 17 in the Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, West Warwick. Funeral services will take place Dec. 18 in Greenwood Community Church, Warwick.

To view his full obituary, or to leave condolences, please visit Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home.