"One of my goals has always been the love of learning, to see that sense of achievement that comes through learning.” ––Robert S. Geer, Kennesaw State University College of the Arts benefactor
On Jan. 8, 2025, the College of the Arts at Kennesaw State University (KSU) was officially named the Robert S. Geer Family College of the Arts, thanks to a generous bequest from benefactor Robert “Bob” S. Geer. This transformational gift was used to establish the Geer family legacy at KSU, benefiting the academic and artistic preparation of generations of students destined to be artists, scholars, entrepreneurs, and global citizens.
A Redheaded Farm Boy Born in North Carolina to James and Hattie Geer, Robert Sellers “Bob” Geer (1924-2024) faithfully demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the arts from an early age. A self-described “redheaded farm boy,” Geer learned to play the piano at the age of five, even though his lessons were sometimes paid for with items grown on his family farm. His grandmother, mother, and aunt loved to draw using charcoal from the fire, resulting in Geer’s lifelong passion for pen and ink drawings, shown below.
Riding the (Corporate) Rails After attending college, he served in Canada during World War II, and then began his career at Norfolk Southern Railroad. He started as the president’s personal assistant, advanced to the head of marketing, and was eventually promoted to vice president of industrial development/real estate of the railroad conglomerate. Geer married his beloved wife, Mary Boyle, in 1950, and their son, Robert, Jr., was born in 1954. Geer retired from Norfolk Southern in 1985, but was still committed to the arts, so he volunteered his time with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Steinway Society.
Robert S. "Bob" Geer (1948)
Mary Boyle Geer (undated)
Robert Jr. Geer (Bob's son) plays piano. (1964)
From Friendship to Foundation In 2020, he developed a strong friendship with KSU Provost Ivan Pulinkala, then Dean of the College of the Arts. This friendship later became the foundation for Geer’s transformational bequest, and the timing could not have been more sublime. In a transcending experience, Geer hoped to cement his family’s legacy through the arts, and Pulinkala hoped to build state-of-the art facilities at Chastain Pointe for art and design, dance, music, and theatre.
Robert S. Geer (seated) with Dr. Ivan Pulinkala at Bob's 99th birthday party, where
he was given a specially commissioned portrait. (2023)
Giving Back to the Arts In October 2022, Geer announced his decision to bequeath his entire estate to the College of the Arts. He explained, “I want to help somebody, and I’m just as happy as I can be. I don’t want people patting me on the back and saying how wonderful I am. I’m just a hard-working, redheaded country boy.”
Robert S. Geer Family College of the Arts The Robert S. Geer Family College of the Arts (GCA) was officially named on February 8th, 2025, under the leadership of President Kathy Schwaig. The Geer College of the Arts includes the School of Art and Design, the Department of Dance, the Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music, and the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies.
KSU President Kathy Schwaig and Robert Geer at the ArtsKSU Gala shortly after Geer
announced his gift. (2022)
Creating a Legacy, Impacting Lives The Geer Family gift was used to help develop the KSU Arts District into one of the
largest collegiate arts training facilities in the Southeastern United States. It
will assist future generations of students as they flourish into artists, scholars,
entrepreneurs, and engaged citizens, all while preserving, honoring, and remembering
the Geer Family. (Images below.)
