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Ohio University Professor Emeritus Robert Winters Dies
< < Back to ou-professor-emeritus-robert-winters-diesOhio University College of Fine Arts Professor Emeritus Robert Winters died Tuesday morning in Athens.
He was 77 years old.
Winters was a big name in Athens community, especially in relation to the arts.
A teacher for over 50 years, Winters was active in many capacities within the College of Fine Arts.
Throughout his career, he served as a director for the School of Theater and an interim director for the School of Film.
Michael Lincoln, Division Head and Artistic Director for the Division of Theater, remembers Winters as a personable man who was an "endless resource."
"This is the end of an era," he said. "[Bob] was absolutely tireless about promoting the arts. He was sure that once the Nelsonville bypass was done, Athens would be more of an arts destination "
Winters was actively involved in the Athens arts community.
He spearheaded ARTS/West and was a key player in the Ohio Valley Summer Theater.
Winters brought his knowledge and expertise to local theaters serving as a director, performer and educator.
"He was truly the premiere arts advocate in this region," Lincoln said.
Lincoln recalled Winters' deteriorating health after his first heart attack nearly 20 years ago.
"He said to me when I first got [to the School], I've been on borrowed time for 20 years…but he just kept going," he said.
Winters trained hundreds of students throughout the years. One of his favorite skills to teach was performance photography.
Winters was recognized for his contributions to the arts and was inducted into the Ohio Community Theater Association Hall of Fame in 2000.
A memorial service for Winters will be held on Aug. 31. The time and location is still to be determined.