DR. ROBERT MAXSON

As an educator, Dr. Robert Maxson used his charm, eternal optimism, and his intelligence to help guide to success not only students but all those around him. His personal magnetism was matched by his willingness to do the hard work, not just the fun work. It was often said of him that he "did almost everything." He may have gotten tired, but he never showed it. He pressed on. His charm led the charge, so to speak, but it was not empty—it was backed by learning, commitment, and the firm belief that active, intentional leadership mattered. His academic successes are evidence that he was correct in that estimation.

His presidencies at the University of Houston, UNLV, Cal State Long Beach, and Sierra Nevada College were all marked by consistent growth in enrollment, development of programs at all levels and especially at the graduate level, and national recognition of excellence. He himself almost always taught a graduate class, usually a class in leadership. His personal achievements away from campus were many. He served on the boards of Bank of America, Freeport-McMoRan Inc, and—maybe his favorite—on the local school board in Anacortes, Washington, where he and his wife Dr. Sylvia Maxson, retired when the time came. The fact that he was named Man of the Year in almost every community in which he lived is a good indicator of the character, humanity, and vision which his peers saw in him.

The accomplishment of which he was most proud, however, was his family, beginning with his marriage of sixty years to Sylvia Parrish Maxson. She went on to earn a doctorate herself, over time, and she too often taught classes, especially classes in children's literature. Their two children carried on in the Maxson way, committed to education and to hard work. Their son, Dr. Robert Todd Maxson, Professor of Pediatric Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Surgeon-in-Chief, Fuller Family Endowed Chair, Arkansas Children's Hospital. Their daughter, Kimberly Maxson Rushton, was the former Chief of the Nevada Attorney General's Office and Chair of the Nevada Transportation Authority. Their respective spouses are Amy Maxson and Ric Rushton, both of which and their children (MaryAnne, Andrew, Jake, Alexandra and Max), Bob Maxson was very proud of.

Not only did Bob and Sylvia spend their lifetimes in formal academic work, they also pursued opportunities to participate in educational programs abroad in places such as Great Britain, India, South Africa, and the UAE, evidence of the enduring spirit that marked their personalities and their shared life. In fact, in celebration of their fiftieth wedding anniversary, they volunteered to teach English in the Cook Islands, far away from their home in Anacortes.

On Sylvia's eightieth birthday, Bob endowed Anacortes Children's Library in her name. A contribution to that library would be a fitting memorial to Bob and Sylvia Maxson, both of whom always gave from the heart. Sylvia preceded Bob in death on November 15, 2023. Donations can be made to: Dr. Sylvia Maxson Children's Library www.friendsoftheanacorteslibrary.org.

Bob and Sylvia met in Florida, near the Atlantic Coast, so it was appropriate they retire near the sea in the San Juan Islands of Washington. He loved exploring the coast and fishing, both from land and out on the water. He loved watching sports and reading, in a sun-room that looked out on the sea. He never stopped learning until he slipped away on September 24, 2025. All those who knew and loved him will miss him. He was a remarkable man. Services will be announced at a future date.

Requiescat in pace.