Written by Helen Strickland // Photo provided by Robbie Shackelford
Robert “Robbie” and Ramona “Mona” Shackelford have worked together in Florence, Italy, for 34 years. Robbie serves as the Harding University in Florence (HUF) program director, and Mona serves as a HUF instructor. The couple moved to Florence with their two sons in 1990 after Robbie accepted the position of HUF director. Prior to their move in 1990, Robbie Shackelford was born in Italy, and he lived there as a child on two separate occasions.
“It was not a surprise for me because he had been looking at opportunities to return to his birthplace for a few years,” Mona Shackelford said of the 1990 move.
Robbie Shackelford described his experience of living in Italy. “I drive through the Tuscan Hills to go to work,” Robbie Shackelford said. “I go to a 15th-century villa with a staff that’s wonderful, with teachers that come over … enthusiastic, with the Harding students that are great. And … I sit back and ask God, ‘Why did you bless me so much?’”
The Shackelfords will be retiring from HUF in May 2024. They will remain in Florence, but they will no longer be directly involved with HUF.
“I know I’m gonna miss it when I retire next May,” Robbie Shackelford said. “But I think it’s time for someone else to come in.”
Mona Shackelford said she hopes that through their retirement, they can focus on their church family and friends.
Ethan Brown, the HUF assistant director who has worked on and off with the Shackelfords since 2020, said he is grateful to have learned from the Shackelfords and experienced Italy with them.
“They are so knowledgeable and have embraced Italian culture in a beautiful way that helps make this country enjoyable for everyone that they encounter,” Brown said. “It has been very fun to work alongside them, and I feel blessed to have this opportunity.”
As a part of the HUF experience, Robbie Shackelford takes students to explore Florence. Through his time in Florence, Robbie Shackelford became familiar with the region of Scandicci and its mayor, Sandro Fallani. Fallani was originally an “assessore” before being elected to the position of mayor, and he worked with Robbie Shackelford to organize sports, cultural and service-related events with HUF students.
Fallani accompanied the Shackelfords and other HUF staff to Harding’s campus in Searcy this week to celebrate the Homecoming festivities. Fallani’s visit was announced in chapel.
“I’m really excited to have … Sandro Fallani [on campus] because of the friendship that he has given to us in helping us have moments with the Italians,” Robbie Shackelford said.
Mona Shackelford anticipated Homecoming week with enthusiasm.
“This week of Homecoming will be full and exciting,” Mona Shackelford said. “One of the reasons is we will be seeing former HUF students and faculty. Another great thing is we’ll be sharing it with some of our Italian staff and friends. They’ll be able to witness what we often talk to them about.”
Robbie Shackelford plans to take Fallani to see “Mary Poppins,” Harding’s Homecoming musical, and the Holland-Waller dedication.
