Robert Seymour Alexander served as a Seargent in the United States Army during World War II from 1943-1946, as well as in the Corps of Engineers for 17 months in the European Theatre. Following his time in the Military, Alexander pursued his passion for art, and received his B.F.A. in 1951 from the University of Illinois, and his M.F.A. in 1952 from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Alexander was hired by MSU as an Art Department instructor from 1954-1967, as an Associate Professor from 1967-1972, and as a Professor from 1972 until his retirement on July 1, 1987. Throughout his art career, Alexander received numerous honors and awards, including the first award for the "International Furniture Design Competition" in 1959; listings in "Who's Who in American Art", "Who's Who in the Midwest", and "Internationa Directory of the Arts" (1965 edition); Award of Excellence, at the Hartland Art Exhibit, in 1973, 1974, and 1975; and the 2nd award, at the Saginaw Museum, Photography of Art Exhibit, in 1977.