Robert F. Banks had a long and distinguished 40-year career at Michigan State University. He earned his doctorate from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1965 and took a job within the newly established James Madison College at MSU, playing an instrumental role in its early formation. He served as dean from 1971 to 1979 and was known for his mentoring of young faculty and support for professional development of all faculty. Following his stint as dean, Banks went on to hold several roles in central university administration, including serving as associate provost and associate vice president for academic human resources. In his administrative roles, Banks was instrumental in creating and sustaining both the CIC ALP Fellowship Program and Lily Teaching Fellowship Program, demonstrating his strong commitment to faculty and organizational development activities. Banks retired from the university in 2007. In recognition for his many contributions, the university created the Robert F. Banks Award for Outstanding Academic Leadership, now awarded annually to an outstanding MSU leader.
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