DePauw Stories

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

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

“President Bottoms’ impact on DePauw is immeasurable,” said Lori S. White, the university’s 21st president. “He 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. DePauw stands on the legacy of this great man. He will be missed by all of us.”

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 DePauw 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’s 18th president, succeeding Richard F. Rosser.

During his presidency, Bottoms helped propel DePauw 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 DePauw 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 DePauw 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’ service to DePauw 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 DePauw’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 DePauw’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 DePauw University 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 DePauw 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, DePauw 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 DePauw, securing his legacy as a compassionate and innovative leader.

DePauw University 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. A memorial service will take place on February 14 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Athens. DePauw will announce the date of a campus celebration of his life and leadership in the coming weeks.

In honor of President Bottoms, university bells will ring throughout campus on January 29 at 4:58 p.m., with a moment of silence to follow.