Robert G.
Bottoms, an American higher education executive and the 18th president of DePauw University, died on January 27, 2026, at age 81. He served as president of the university from 1986 to June 30, 2008, and was later named president emeritus.
Bottoms also served as the founding director of the Janet Prindle Center for Ethics until January 1, 2010. During his tenure, enrollment and the university’s standing in national rankings increased, and DePauw’s endowment grew from $83.2 million to $521.9 million. In 2018, the university dedicated the Robert G. Bottoms Alumni and Development Center in his honor. He earned degrees from Birmingham-Southern College, Emory University and Vanderbilt University.
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.