Hall of Fame Member Biographies

Robert Edward Graalman, Jr.

Robert Edward Graalman, Jr. was born in Enid to parents Bob and Margaret in June 1947 and resided briefly in Okeene before moving to Fairview with his new sister Nancy in 1952. He graduated from Fairview Schools as co-valedictorian and enrolled at Oklahoma State University as a political science major in 1965. After marrying Diane Staines in 1970, he completed a master’s in English in 1972 while also teaching introductory courses. 

Graalman then entered the graduate program in modern literature at the University of Tulsa, where he taught, assisted the graduate dean, and earned his PhD in 1978. Two children, Travis and Sarah, joined the family, and they moved to Illinois State University before returning to Stillwater in 1981. Good fortune followed when he was hired to teach humanities and join Dean Smith Holt's staff. This led to a position directing the new Henry Bellmon Office of Scholar Development and Recognition, where he served until his retirement in 2012, aided greatly by his long-time assistant, Gail Gillian.

Under his leadership, and in collaboration with the Honors College, students earned many awards. OSU was named a Truman Honor School during Jim Halligan's presidency, praised for its focus on undergraduate research, and lauded for a much-imitated new course, "Windows to the World," in which students study current events and hone their debate skills. During President Hargis' tenure, Phi Beta Kappa tapped OSU for membership, a long-sought goal of the university.

The success of the Scholar Development program led Graalman and his peers to establish the National Association of Fellowships Advisors, and he was elected its president for the first convention in 2000. That organization now has more than 750 members, with strong national and international components. Meanwhile, OSU’s Scholar Development program continues to coach students on undergraduate research, provide summer courses in the UK, and prepare students to compete for national and international awards.