Robert G. Bottoms

Robert G. Bottoms
18th President of DePauw University
In office
October 16, 1986 – June 30, 2008
Preceded byRichard Franklin Rosser
Succeeded byBrian Casey
Personal details
Born(1944-06-28)June 28, 1944
DiedJanuary 27, 2026(2026-01-27) (aged 81)
SpouseGwen Vickers Bottoms
Alma materB.A. Birmingham-Southern College 1966
B.D. Emory University 1969
D.Min. Vanderbilt University 1972

Robert G. Bottoms (June 28, 1944 – January 27, 2026) was an American higher education executive who served as the 18th President of DePauw University from 1986 to June 30, 2008. Following his presidency, he was named president emeritus and served as the founding director of the Janet Prindle Center for Ethics, serving until January 1, 2010.[2]

During Bottoms's tenure as president, enrollment at DePauw increased, as did its standing in national rankings. The university endowment increased from $83.2 million to $521.9 million during his presidency. In 2018, the university dedicated the Robert G. Bottoms Alumni and Development Center in his honor.[3][4]

Education

Bottoms earned a bachelor's degree at Birmingham-Southern College, a bachelor of divinity degree at Emory University, and a PhD at Vanderbilt University.[3]

Personal life and death

Bottoms was married to Gwen Vickers Bottoms. They had two children and four grandchildren.[3] He died on January 27, 2026, at the age of 81.[5]

References

  1. ^ "Dr. Robert Garvin Bottoms". Lord and Stephens. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  2. ^ "Janet Prindle Center for Ethics". Archived from the original on June 11, 2010. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
  3. ^ a b c "Robert G. Bottoms, DePauw's President Since 1986, Announces Retirement Plans". DePauw University. April 19, 2007. Archived from the original on June 30, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  4. ^ "DePauw University Remembers Esteemed President Emeritus Robert G. Bottoms". DePauw University. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  5. ^ "DePauw University Remembers Esteemed President Emeritus Robert G. Bottoms". DePauw University. Retrieved January 30, 2026.