oberlincollege's tenth president, robert w. fuller '56, passes away at 88 years old.
Remembering Robert Fuller: The Visionary President of Oberlin College
Robert "Bob" Works Fuller, the 10th president of Oberlin College, passed away on July 15, 2025, in Berkeley, California, at the age of 88. Fuller's tenure at Oberlin College, from 1970 to 1974, was marked by significant contributions that transformed the campus and its policies.
Fuller's key initiatives included tripling the enrollment of minority students, expanding coeducational residence halls, and hiring Black head coaches, notably Olympic gold medalist Tommie Smith. He supported the construction of the Seeley G. Mudd Learning Center and endorsed feminist and LGBTQ+ student movements. In 1971, Fuller established the Committee on the Status of Women, which helped increase the hiring of women faculty and administrators. He also eliminated distribution requirements and ensured student representation in decision-making at Oberlin, fostering academic reform and diversity.
Fuller's vision extended beyond the classroom. He recruited influential figures in the arts and athletics, such as Herbert Blau for the Inter-Arts Program and Jack Scott, who helped pioneer racial integration in Oberlin’s athletic department. His leadership during a turbulent social period garnered national attention, highlighting Oberlin's progressive transformations under his presidency.
One of Fuller's most notable achievements was the establishment of the Inter-Arts Program at Oberlin College, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple art forms. This program continues to thrive today, a testament to Fuller's forward-thinking approach.
Under Fuller's leadership, Oberlin College eliminated distribution requirements and incorporated student representation into the institution's decision-making structure. This shift towards student-centered governance was a significant departure from traditional academic structures and paved the way for a more inclusive and democratic academic environment.
Fuller's legacy extends beyond Oberlin. After leaving the college in 1974, he wrote several influential books based on the concept of "Dignity for All." His work continues to inspire discussions on social justice and equality.
In an essay published in the December 1970 Oberlin Alumni Magazine, Fuller described Oberlin's commitment to academic and artistic excellence, as well as compassionate concern for mankind. This commitment was evident in Fuller's own leadership, and his influence continues to be felt on Oberlin's campus and beyond.
[1] Oberlin College Archives and Special Collections. (n.d.). Robert W. Fuller. Retrieved from https://library.oberlin.edu/archives/robert-w-fuller
[2] Oberlin College. (n.d.). A Timeline of Oberlin's History. Retrieved from https://www.oberlin.edu/about/history/timeline
[3] Fuller, Robert W. (1970, December). The Oberlin College of the Future. Oberlin Alumni Magazine. Retrieved from https://library.oberlin.edu/archives/oberlin-alumni-magazine/1970-12-oberlin-college-of-the-future
Education and self-development were key focuses for Robert W. Fuller during his tenure as President of Oberlin College.He established the Committee on the Status of Women, which aimed to increase the hiring of women faculty and administrators, and also eliminated distribution requirements, fostering academic reform and diversity.
