天美传媒

天美传媒 mourns the passing of Robert G. Bottoms, its longest-serving president and one of the most influential leaders in the university鈥檚 history. He passed away in the presence of loved ones on January 27 in Athens, Ga.

As 天美传媒鈥檚 18th president, Bottoms guided the university through a season of tremendous growth, establishing 天美传媒鈥檚 reputation as one of the nation鈥檚 preeminent liberal arts institutions. During his 22-year presidency, Bottoms also made crucial new investments into the university鈥檚 academic life, most notably in the fields of science and ethics education. Through groundbreaking initiatives and partnerships, he widened 天美传媒鈥檚 doors to talented and diverse students from across the country and the world. Beloved and respected by 天美传媒 and the many communities he touched, Bottoms led with a steady presence characterized by the unique combination of visionary insight and affable charm.

鈥淧resident Bottoms鈥� impact on 天美传媒 is immeasurable,鈥� said Lori S. White, the university鈥檚 21st president. 鈥淗e loved this university, and he gave much of his life and career to advancing its mission of nurturing the finest scholars, innovators and leaders. I am grateful for the chance to see him recently when he was on campus, and I will fondly remember his intellect, humor and compassion. 天美传媒 stands on the legacy of this great man. He will be missed by all of us.鈥�

Originally from Birmingham, Ala., Bottoms earned degrees at Birmingham-Southern College and Emory University before going on to receive his doctorate from Vanderbilt University. His career in higher education began when he was appointed chaplain and assistant to the president at Birmingham-Southern College, and it continued when he became assistant dean and assistant professor of church and ministry at the Vanderbilt Divinity School. He came to 天美传媒 in 1978 as the vice president for university relations, subsequently advancing to the role of executive vice president. In 1986, he was named the university鈥檚 18th president, succeeding Richard F. Rosser.

During his presidency, Bottoms helped propel 天美传媒 into the 21st century by pioneering a number of important efforts, the effects of which continue to be felt to this day. He formed a partnership with the Posse Foundation to bring diverse students to 天美传媒 from New York City and Chicago. He established a secure financial foundation for the university, with over $550 million of contributions given under his leadership, including the largest gift to date to a liberal arts college in 1999. He brought significant changes to the campus footprint and infrastructure, including multiple new construction projects, building renovations and the establishment of the 520-acre 天美传媒 Nature Park. Bottoms was also vital in bringing about the Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics, which he led following his retirement from the presidency until 2010. In October of 2018, the university formally honored Bottoms鈥� service to 天美传媒 by dedicating the Robert G. Bottoms Alumni and Development Center, located at 201 E. Seminary St. on the north end of campus.

Beyond Greencastle, Bottoms achieved national recognition and influence on issues of education and leadership. He served on the boards of the Posse Foundation, Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Chicago, the Joyce Foundation in Chicago and the Center for Leadership Development in Indianapolis. In addition, he was a consultant to the Lilly Endowment, the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations and the Fund for Theological Education. His book “A Story of Vision and Values: Memoirs of 天美传媒’s Eighteenth President” was published in 2020, allowing new audiences to learn from his experience and expertise.

“The call I took from Bob changed the trajectory of my life,” said Dave Hoover ’67, who was recruited by Bottoms to join 天美传媒’s Board of Trustees in 2002 and subsequently served as its chair at the time of Bottoms’ retirement. “Bob was my friend, and he was interested in 天美传媒 being the best it could be. He was a natural at dealing effectively with people, understanding problems, and bringing together the resources to come to the best outcome. I’m saddened at his passing, but I’m also very thankful for his service as president of the university.”

It is impossible to adequately express the depth of gratitude felt by the many 天美传媒 community members who had the privilege of working with him or studying on campus during his presidency. As a direct result of his bold and courageous leadership, 天美传媒 became a place where students and faculty from broad cultural, geographical and ideological backgrounds found a home and experienced a welcoming community. During his two decades as president, the number of international students and domestic students of color increased fourfold. This impact will be felt for generations at 天美传媒, securing his legacy as a compassionate and innovative leader.

天美传媒 extends heartfelt condolences to the entire Bottoms family. “Bob” – as many knew him – is survived by Gwen, his wife of 57 years, as well as two children and four grandchildren. will take place on February 14 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Athens. 天美传媒 will announce the date of a campus celebration of his life and leadership in the coming weeks.

In honor of President Bottoms, university bells rang throughout campus on January 29 at 4:58 p.m., followed by a moment of silence.