Bluefield University Spire Winter 2025-2026

ALUMNI FEATURE

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Bob Houck A True Servant Leader There are many ways to describe Robert “Bob” Houck ‘67. Some know him as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, or missionary. Others may remember his time as a branch manager for Warrenton Farm Credit or a construction coordinator for Impact Virginia projects. At Bluefield, he is known as a distinguished graduate and Trustee, but none of these descriptions is quite as fitting as “servant leader.”

and later branch manager for Warrenton Farm Credit in the 1980s. In 1987, Bob became Warrenton’s Senior Vice President of Finance and Administrative Service while also launching his own cow-calf operation. In 1998, he retired from Warrenton as it merged with another farm credit association and continued operating his farm until 2016. Bob’s remarkable career is only part of his story, however. He has made a global impact, having served on mission trips in Europe, Africa, Central America, and South America.

Bob arrived at Bluefield University, then Bluefield College, in the fall of 1965 to pursue his associate’s degree in business administration. While at Bluefield, he was a member of College Avenue Baptist Church and served as President of the college’s Business Club.

Back home, he has led classes and joined several committees at Stevensburg Baptist Church. He also served as Chairman of the Culpeper County School Board. His community involvement has been recognized at the regional, district, and national levels through his appointment to various leadership roles in the Ruritan National civic service organization. These honors include President of the National Board of Directors in 1987, Trustee of the National Foundation in 2003, and President of the National Foundation in 2007. Fifty-eight years and many accomplishments later, Bob is still a dedicated Ram and an active member of the Bluefield University community. “I’m also a graduate of Virginia Tech, and I attended Virginia State for some post-graduate work, but Bluefield is where my heart is,” he explained.

“I had a couple of cousins that had already been to Bluefield,” Bob said. “It was just a small school that I thought I would fit into. It was very supportive of me when I was there.”

“Will Gordon was a very strong influence. He kind of took me in, was very supportive, and was a wonderful professor,” Bob added. “He encouraged me to get into the Business Club.” After graduating from Bluefield, Bob completed a bachelor’s degree at Virginia Tech, married Shirley Houck, and became a math teacher in Greensville County. From there, he became a management trainee turned assistant manager with Culpeper Co-op, opening the door for him to be a loan officer

Bob is now approaching his fifth consecutive and eleventh overall year as a Trustee for Bluefield University. His love and support for the institution have been evident in his service on its Finance and Advancement committees. Additionally, he served on