Robert E. “Bob” Wolverton, a school legend, passed away on December 15 at the age of 98. Mississippi State University is in mourning.
Over 40 years of Wolverton’s roughly 70-year career in education were spent as an MSU classics professor and in various managerial capacities. At the age of 94, he retired from full-time teaching at the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures in the summer of 2020. He had initially joined the university in 1977 as vice president for academic affairs.
“Dr. Wolverton was a true treasure at Mississippi State,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “His vision, drive and leadership on so many fronts were an inspiration to the university community. He was committed to MSU’s successful efforts to earn a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and he was a calm and respected voice in the Robert Holland Faculty Senate. Most of all, I counted Dr. Wolverton as my friend and mentor. For him, I hope Heaven is an opportunity to debate and converse with Sophocles and Plato – and to do so in their native ancient Greek language.”
Born in Indiana, Wolverton was predeceased by Margaret “Peggy” Wolverton, his spouse of 67 years. Three grandkids, six great-grandchildren, and their four children survive the Wolvertons. Bob Wolverton was active in a number of Starkville-based groups, including the Starkville-MSU Symphony Association, Starkville Public Library, Starkville Friends of the Library, and Starkville Community Theatre.
Wolverton received numerous awards from MSU, including the university’s highest recognition for outstanding classroom teaching—that of John Grisham Master Teacher. The College of Arts and Sciences Humanist Award and the MSU Alumni Association Faculty Achievement Award were given to him in recognition.
The Robert E. Wolverton Legacy Award was established by the College of Arts and Sciences in 2014 to honor people who have supported liberal arts education and contributed to the college over a long period of time. MSU declared in 2015 that the Old Main Academic Center rotunda will bear his name.
Even in his 90s, Wolverton remained passionate about teaching the classics, using the writings of Homer, Plato, Cicero, Sophocles, and many other great Greek and Roman leaders to motivate Bulldog generations.
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