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Dr. Robert P. Foster, 1964-1977

Dr. Robert P. FosterDr. Robert P. Foster served Northwest in various capacities for 30 years and developed strong personal ties to both the University and the community. He managed a store in Maryville after World War II and then became registrar in 1948. Foster subsequently served as director of admissions and dean of administration before moving into the president's office.

His years in the presidency were marked by rapid growth, and he presided over numerous capital projects, including construction of the high-rise residential halls, the Valk Industrial Arts Building and the Garrett-Strong Mathematics and Science Building.

The Foster administration also worked to bring about the institution's name change to Northwest Missouri State University in 1972 and put a number of programs in place in keeping with its expanded mission. Another significant achievement was his leading role in securing funding for the establishment of KXCV, the University's 100,000-watt National Public Radio affiliate.

Perhaps most importantly, Foster organized the University's first true advancement effort, which resulted in construction of the Memorial Bell Tower as a lasting memorial to the men and women who served in World War II and created a development network that evolved into today's Northwest Foundation.

Foster in his office in the Administration Building.Foster in his office in the Administration Building.Dr. Robert Foster honors Bearcat coach Ryland Milner.President Foster and his wife, Virginia, sign the guest book at the dedication of the Garrett-Strong Science Building in 1968,Foster receives the Old Hickory Stick after the Bearcat football team won it back from Northeast Missouri State University in 1969. Robert Foster greets guests attending an event.Robert FosterRobert Foster, who was instrumental in pushing for enhancements to Northwest's radio broadcast studios, tests some of the equipment with KDLX staff members in 1970.Robert Foster, who was instrumental in pushing for enhancements to Northwest's radio broadcast studios, talks with KDLX staff members in 1970.Robert FosterRobert FosterRobert FosterRobert Foster, centerRobert Foster was instrumental in pushing for enhancements to Northwest's radio broadcast studios,Robert Foster speaks at a commencement ceremony.Robert Foster, leftRobert Foster, rightRobert FosterRobert Foster with wife, VirginiaRobert FosterRobert Foster, rightPresident Foster gives Everett Brown a notebook of letters from friends and colleagues at a retirement dinner in 1976.Foster in his office in the Administration Building.An avid golfer, Foster receives a retirement gift at a dinner in his honor in 1977. Robert Foster, leftRobert FosterFormer University President Robert Foster speaks at the dedication for the Robert P. Foster Aquatic Center, which was named in his honor in 1981. The facility was renovated in reopened in 2015 as the Robert and Virginia Foster Fitness Center.Former president Robert Foster attended a rededication of the Memorial Bell Tower in 2004 with his wife, Virginia, and Everett Brown. Foster died March 10, 2008.
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