Bob Glidden, 87, of Rockbridge Baths died Dec. 5
Bob Glidden, 87, of Rockbridge Baths died Dec. 5
Robert “Bob” Glidden, age 87, entered eternal rest on Dec. 5, 2023.
A resident of Rockbridge Baths, Bob was born in
Bob grew up on an
He earned his bachelor's degree and M.A. in music performance at the
He then taught at
He then became the executive director of the National Association of Schools of Music and the National Association of Schools of Art in
Bob was dean of
Bob had a long and distinguished career as a musician, educator and higher education administrator supported by Rene’ in each step of the journey. His passions included music, education, church leadership, community service, and mentoring future administrators. He enjoyed holidays with family, photography, travel, international cuisine, tennis and college football.
Throughout his life, Bob was a masterful fundraiser, leading major capital campaigns including securing new music building facilities, a study center in
While serving as
Bob was active in higher education accreditation for more than 40 years. He was chairman of the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation in the mid-1980s and was founding chair of the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (1996-98). In retirement, he served on the Accreditation Committee for the American Bar Association. Glidden's work on accreditation resulted in higher standards and greater progress for American colleges and universities.
In his retirement, Bob remained active in the business of higher education, consulting with universities at home and abroad, continuing support of accreditation and the development of higher education leadership. He also served locally in leadership positions on the Grace Episcopal vestry, the Lexington Community Foundation, the board of directors at Kendal of Lexington, and the
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Rene’. He is survived by his three daughters Melissa Marsh, Michele Glidden and Briana Brookes. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Alexandria Marsh, Ann McAdams, Victoria Mitchell, Katie Juergens and Matthew Taylor; and three great-grandchildren, William and Thomas McAdams and Alexander Juergens. He is also survived by his brother H. Guy Glidden.
A private service will be held. There will be a Celebration of Life Evensong at Grace Episcopal Church at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial tributes be given to the Grace Episcopal Church Music Fund at https://www.gracelexva.org/give or to the Rockbridge Area Relief Association (RARA) at www.raralex.org.