Robert Porter Foster (May 24, 1917 – March 10, 2008) was president of Northwest Missouri State University from 1964 to 1977.
While working on a master's from the University of Missouri, he left to become a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
After the war they moved to Maryville where he purchased E.L Townsend Grocery Co. which he operated until 1948 when he became registrar and later director of admissions at Northwest.
Building built under his watch included:[2] The school changed from a four year school to having a master program resulting in its name change from Northwest Missouri State College to Northwest Missouri State University.
[3] Foster remained active in Maryville after leaving the presidency receiving a Silver Antelope Award for his work in the Boy Scouts.