Robert Seymour Alexander served as a sergeant 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 joined the faculty of the Art Department at Michigan State College (now University) as an instructor in 1954, was promoted to associate professor in 1967 and eventually professor in 1972. He retired 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.