Born in Milton, West Virginia, on September 29, 1930, Dr. Robert P. Alexander was educated at Milton High School, Marshall College, Marshall University, and Ohio University. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War. He entered Marshall College in September 1953, earning his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. under the GI Bill.
He spent his entire 44-year professional career at Marshall University. He served as the first Director of Placement, Associate Professor and Director of MBA Programs, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Management, Dean of the College of Business, and as a Distinguished Professor of Management. His extensive community service includes 16 years on Huntington City Council, 15 years on the Tri-State Airport Authority, 16 years with the West Virginia Municipal League, 16 years with the West Virginia Export Council, 12 years with the West Virginia Forest Management Review Commission, and several years with the National League of Cities.
In leadership positions, he was the President of Marshall’s Student Body, Marshall Alumni Association and was the mayor of the City of Huntington when it operated under the city manager form of government. He also served as a member of the West Virginia Municipal League. Other honors and awards include Milton High School's Hall of Fame, Lewis College of Business Hall of Fame, College of Business Teacher of the Year in 1975, 1981 and 2002, Marshall University Alumni Community Service Award, West Virginia Municipal League's Silent Strength Award, Marshall University's Distinguished Service Award, West Virginia Forestry Association's Tree Farmer of the Year in 1990, and Marshall University Drinko Research Fellow in 2000.
