Richard Zimmer

Richard Zimmer

I was born in and grew up in New York. I went to the University of Michigan for my undergraduate education. I majored in History, Political Science, and Russian. Afterwards, I went to Berkeley for my Master's in History. I focused on sub-Saharan History, particularly South Africa and East Africa. Then I went to UCLA. Initially I continued in African history but then switched into anthropology. I continued my interest in Africa and politics, but i also focused on economic development, folklore and mythology, religion, and psychological anthropology. I received my PhD from UCLA.

While in Los Angeles, I taught American History and Government at Los Angeles Valley College and then part-time at CSU Long Beach and CSU Northridge. I came to Hutchins in 1971, and I got deeply involved in the upper division, which had just started. I organized and ran the field experience component, including internships and CIP, for most of the time I was here. I tried to teach new classes in fields in which I had no or little background. that is how i got into Garbage, Mars Colony, and Mass Transit, among other esoteric topics. I also tried to teach in other departments--Math, Journalism, Education Criminal Justice, and Environmental Studies. As I wound up my tenure in Hutchins, I primarily focused on the teacher training track.

In the mid-1980's, I returned to graduate school and completed a PhD in Psychology at the Center for Psychological Studies. I did my pre-licensure hours at Rohnert Park Youth and Family Services Program and at Sonoma County Mental Health. I became very interested in learning to work with doctors, so I did my last bout of hours in the Family Practice Program at Community Hospital, which is now Sutter. Since starting practice, I found myself interested in working with the developmentally disabled among other groups.

In terms of my work in the community, when I was in Hutchins, I worked with many state and local educational agencies on education related topics. I also joined the board of the local child care council, the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce, the local task force on garbage, and Disability Services/Legal Center. I continue my involvement on the Center.

Since retirement, I continue my practice. I like working with people with Asperger's in particular. I am also increasing my involvement in museums, writing articles about different ones and becoming active in local ones. I continue my interest in politics and food.