Robert Glidden (“Bob”), age 87, entered eternal rest on December 5, 2023. A resident of Rockbridge Baths, Virginia, Bob was born in Rippey, Iowa on November 29, 1936, the son of Burr and Lora Glidden.
Bob grew up on an Iowa farm and attended Grand Junction High School. By age 13 he played the saxophone and clarinet in a 9-piece professional dance band. He earned his bachelor’s degree and M.A. in music performance at the University of Iowa before directing the high school band program in Morrison, Illinois, considered one of his favorite achievements. He then taught at University High School in Iowa City and at the University of Iowa while completing his doctoral studies. After receiving his Ph.D. Bob served on the music faculties of Wright State University, Indiana University, and the University of Oklahoma. He then became the Executive Director of the National Association of Schools of Music and the National Association of Schools of Art in Washington, D.C. before moving to Bowling Green State University in 1975, where he was a professor and dean of the College of Musical Arts. Bob was dean of Florida State University’s School of Music from 1979 to 1991 at which point he was appointed provost and vice president for academic affairs at FSU. Bob became the 19th president of Ohio University in 1994 and served until his retirement in 2004. He then served as interim president of California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo from August 2010 to February 2011.
Bob had a long and distinguished career as a musician, educator and higher education administrator supported by Rene’ in each step of the journey. His passions included music, education, church leadership, community service, and mentoring future administrators. He enjoyed holidays with family, photography, travel, international cuisine, tennis and college football.
Throughout his life, Bob was a masterful fund-raiser, leading major capital campaigns including securing new music building facilities, a study center in London, and an expansion of buildings across the OU campus. Most recently in retirement, Bob supported a new wing of Kendal Lexington and the organ at Grace Episcopal Church.
While serving as Ohio University’s president, Bob made significant contributions to upgrading technology, encouraging faculty research and updating the academic curriculum. He was instrumental in the passing of legislation for same sex partners to receive employment benefits and furthered the University’s international exchange partnerships across multiple disciplines. He was a mentor to many and particularly loved to engage with student leaders on campus throughout his tenure.
Bob was active in higher education accreditation for more than 40 years. He was chairman of the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation in the mid-1980s and was founding chair of the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (1996-98). In retirement, he served on the Accreditation Committee for the American Bar Association. Glidden’s work on accreditation resulted in higher standards and greater progress for American colleges and universities.
In his retirement, Bob remained active in the business of higher education, consulting with universities at home and abroad, continuing support of accreditation and the development of higher education leadership. He also served locally in leadership positions on the Grace Episcopal vestry, the Lexington Community Foundation, the Board of Directors at Kendal of Lexington, and the United Way.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Rene’. He is survived by his three daughters Melissa Marsh, Michele Glidden and Briana Brookes. He was blessed with 5 grandchildren: Alexandria Marsh, Ann McAdams, Victoria Mitchell, Katie Juergens and Matthew Taylor and 3 great grandchildren: William and Thomas McAdams and Alexander Juergens. He is also survived by his brother H. Guy Glidden.
A private service will be held. There will be a Musical of Life at Grace Episcopal Church at a later date.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with Rene’ and family, visit Harrison Funeral Home in Lexington, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial tributes be given to the Grace Episcopal Church Music Fund https://www.gracelexva.org/give or to the Rockbridge Area Relief Association (RARA) – www.raralex.org.
