Robert P. Alexander was born in a farmhouse on a 500-acre farm in Milton, WV. After graduating from Milton High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant in charge of radio communication for the Far East Command. He was awarded several medals, including the Korean Service Medal, the United Nation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After an honorable discharge, he volunteered for two additional tours of duty, serving a total of nine years.

After leaving the military in 1953, Robert enrolled in Marshall College. He established Marshall’s first placement office, which he operated from 1958 to 1969. He also helped bring the first career conference, called Operation: Native Son and Daughter, to Huntington in an effort to retain graduates for careers in West Virginia.

Robert went on to receive his master’s degree from Marshall and Ph.D. from The Ohio University. He was appointed associate professor of Marshall’s newly established School of Business. During his tenure, at the College of Business, Robert served as the first MBA director, chairman of the Department of Management and dean. He started the Executive MBA program and the Executive in Residence program, now in its 18 year.

Robert was elected as Huntington’s mayor in 1981 and was known for his support of reforesting Huntington. He is also known for his farming abilities, especially tree farming, and operates five SilverGrow Farms. He was voted West Virginia Tree Farmer of the Year in 1990.

After 44 years of service to Marshall, Robert will say goodbye to his career at Marshall in May 2003 when he retires.