The Missouri State University community mourns the loss of Bobby Allison. He passed away yesterday (Sept. 7). 

Allison, who attended Parkview High School, has been a long-time friend and supporter of the university. He was awarded the Bronze Bear in 2016.  

“Bobby Allison helped transform Missouri State University,” said MSU President Clif Smart. “Our students’ daily lives have been improved by his immense generosity.” 

Brent Dunn, executive director of the Missouri State University Foundation, said Allison will be remembered for his enthusiasm for athletics and for giving back to the community.  

“You can’t imagine a more humble or private person than Bobby Allison,” Dunn said. “He wanted to enrich all students’ lives – from toddlers through college. He cared about the student experience, which motivated him to give to athletics, recreation and other areas of the university.”  

Allison also was a Governors Medallion holder, indicating that he contributed more than $5 million to the Missouri State University Foundation. 

Allison’s legacy at MSU 

A significant gift from Allison in 2013 supported recreational facilities improvements for student recreation and intercollegiate athletics programs. In recognition, the facilities were named for him and his late mother, Betty.  

These improvements included: 

• The Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium, home to MSU’s men’s and women’s soccer teams and women’s track and field. 
• The Betty and Bobby Allison North Stadium. 

• The Betty and Bobby Allison Sand Volleyball courts. 
• The Betty and Bobby Allison Recreation Fields, which includes two multipurpose turf fields and an open area for other activities. 

A longtime supporter of numerous projects in the Ozarks, Allison also contributed funds to support construction of the Bill R. Foster and Family Recreation Center, a portion of which was endowed to help support intramural programs at Missouri State.  

He also was a main contributor to the Greenwood Laboratory School’s Betty & Bobby Allison Event Center and the playground area at the Child Development Center on MSU’s campus.