In Memoriam of Robert E. Barnhill III

Robert "Bob" E. Barnhill III was a truly special person. He served as a member of the Personal Financial Planning (PFP) faculty for 25 years before conquering his seven-year battle with ALS.

Bob started teaching at the College of Human Sciences during the fall of 1988. He gave the PFP program the presence of a practitioner with his impressive credentials. His experience as an award-winning speaker through the professional organization Toastmasters as well as being a lawyer, accountant, and financial planner made him uniquely qualified for the position.

His colleague, Personal Financial Planning Chairperson Vickie Hampton, Ph.D. said she never questioned his pride in being part of a department devoted to educating the next generation of financial advisors.

"He was always very engaged and supportive of our PFP program and gave it and the students 110 percent."

Over the years Bob taught Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, and Advanced Tax Planning.

"His classes were challenging, but alumni who were fortunate to have him as a professor always reported that they learned more valuable information from him than from anyone else."

According to PFP Professor Emeritus, William "Bill" Gustafson, Ph.D., Robert also taught his students skills beyond those technical in nature.

"He always wanted his students to improve themselves and would give bonus points for joining Toastmasters. That is one of the reasons we now have the Robert E. Barnhill, III Toastmasters Chapter operated out of the Personal Financial Program."

His dedication to his students and the department helped build the reputation that the PFP program enjoys today. Remembered for his booming voice, curious mind, and endless energy, his impact on our program and students will live on forever.

Robert's close friends and family celebrated his life on May 12th at Broadway Church of Christ. Memorials can be made to the Texas Tech Foundation, Robert E. Barnhill III, PFP Alumni and Friends Scholarship, P.O. Box 41081, Lubbock, TX 79409-1081.