1998 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE | ROBERT ELLIOTT
Milligan College is honored to induct Robert “Bob” Elliott into its Athletics Hall of Fame. Bob attended Milligan from 1945-1948. He graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and physical education in 1950.
While at Milligan, Bob participated in a number of activities. In the fall, he was a starting end on the football team. In the winter, he was starting center on the basketball team, and in the spring, he was a standout in track & field. One could say he was a “seasoned” player. He was also a member of the M Club, the Christian Service and Christian Endeavor clubs, and a member of the various teams that went out to churches to put on programs. He also sang in a men’s quartet.
After graduating, Bob took a job with Sullivan County High School, where he taught biology and coached football, basketball and track. Later he became an elementary school principal in Morristown, Tennessee, and continued to coach basketball.
After earning his master’s in education at Peabody College, Bob moved to Cincinnati, where he again accepted the position of elementary school principal. While in Cincinnati, Bob attended Miami University, where he earned his Ph.D. In 1971, he moved back to Tennessee to become the Assistant Superintendent of Kingsport City Schools. He retired in 1986.
Since that time, he has worked part time as a Tour Director for Knoxville Tours, Inc., and has worked part time at East Lawn Funeral Home. He also helped on the staff at Milligan College in the mid-80s while Dr. Paul Clark was on a leave of absence, teaching Developmental Psychology, History of Education, and working with student teachers. He also served as Director of Hawkins County Center of Walters State Community College from 1990 to 1991.
Bob is a member of First Christian Church in Kingsport, Tennessee. He teaches a class, serves as an elder, and sings in the choir. Bob says that he loves working with people and being of help when he is needed. He has continued to be physically active through walking, bicycling and golfing. He and his wife have also enjoyed traveling to places like Jordan, Israel, Greece, and the British Isles.
Bob is married to Sara. They have two children, Donna Jo Elliott Hardy (’78) and Mark Marshall Elliott. The Elliotts have seven grandchildren.
Bob says that he has many fond memories of his years spent at Milligan, especially of his classmates and professors.