The College of the Arts at Kennesaw State University (KSU) has been renamed the Robert S. Geer Family College of the Arts, thanks to a generous gift from Robert “Bob” S. Geer.
Geer first announced his intention to bequeath his entire estate, valued at over $10 million, during the ArtsKSU Gala.
In a surprise announcement via video that night, Geer shared his philosophy and motivation to give, while outlining his impetus to support arts education at KSU.
“This redheaded, freckled farm boy grew up very poor but with a passion for art, music—piano in particular—and dance. One of my goals has always been the love of learning—to see that sense of achievement that comes through learning.”
A strong work ethic always played a significant role in Geer’s family, even when piano lessons were paid for with vegetables or molasses from the family farm.
“My Dad always told us to do a little bit more than what is expected of you, and you will do fine. I have followed that all my life, and it worked,” Geer said.
“Bob’s journey epitomized the values of hard work, perseverance, and a love of learning,” said KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig.
“Like so many of our students at KSU, he came from very humble beginnings.
His story was one of remarkable achievement and great commitment, resulting in a transformational impact on the College of the Arts.”
After serving in the military, Geer attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then accepted a position at a company that later became Norfolk Southern, where he rose to the rank of vice president.
After his retirement, he enjoyed volunteering, particularly with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Steinway Society.
At one of those volunteer events, he met Joseph Meeks, Founding Dean of the College of the Arts.
Meeks introduced Geer to current KSU Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ivan Pulinkala, who at the time was serving as the Dean of the College of the Arts.
Pulinkala and Geer immediately connected and developed a close friendship that became the foundation for the transformational gift.
Pulinkala shared his vision with Geer that ArtsKSU would have one of the Southeast’s largest arts training facilities. Inspired and intrigued, Geer sought to learn more as he searched for a way to establish his family legacy through arts education permanently.
Geer and Pulinkala spent countless hours together, visiting the site for the future Geer College of the Arts (GCA) and spending time enjoying some of the many performances and exhibitions produced by ArtsKSU annually.
“What started as a professional connection became a friendship that I will cherish forever. Bob was a brilliant and accomplished patriot who cared deeply about the arts,” said Pulinkala.
“Learning about his life journey was inspirational, and I am grateful that his legacy will live on through ArtsKSU.”
The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has authorized the renaming of the College of the Arts in Geer’s honor, one of the highest and most distinguished honors it can bestow.
ArtsKSU will celebrate the renaming—and Geer’s enduring legacy—at the upcoming Collage Concert on Feb. 8, 2025.
In his announcement video, Geer ended by saying, “The Geer family—Mary, Robert Jr., and I—will always be looking down with love and joy on every student who benefits from our gift. God bless you all!”