Known as an advocate for all, Dr. Bob Marshall carved out a university career that showcased research and administrative strength, yet always made time to serve and encourage others. Upon his retirement in 2006, after nearly three decades at FSU, the college created the Robert A. Marshall Endowment to provide funds for faculty development. His award is presented posthumously.

Dr. Marshall's leadership advanced FSU's RMI program, now named the Dr. William T. Hold/The National Alliance Program in Risk Management and Insurance and ranked No. 1 nationwide by U.S. News & World Report. He founded the Insurance Days career fair for RMI majors still in existence today and was intentional in recruiting female faculty members and ensuring internship opportunities were open to all students regardless of gender or race.

He kept involved in industry endeavors as well, serving as a consultant to public- and private-sector organizations and making presentations to companies and state legislatures. He became president of the Southern Risk and Insurance Association and served on boards for the Griffith Foundation for Insurance Education and the Gamma Iota Sigma professional insurance fraternity. He consulted for the Southeastern Regional Office of State Farm Insurance Companies and assisted the state of Florida with transitions related to insurance licensing requirements. He also developed an educational program for the Instituto Nacional de Seguros, the national insurance monopoly of Costa Rica. 

Dr. Marshall's breadth of awards reflects his range of service and include the Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Association of Life Underwriters; the college's Kathryn Magee Kip Professorship, one of the college's first named faculty posts; the FSU Seminole Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service; and multiple teaching and advising awards. Additionally, he held a strong record of innovative research and published widely. His former students say his passion and knowledge of the insurance industry prompted them to pursue an RMI major and career.

Dr. Marshall received his bachelor's degree in business with a major in insurance from North Texas State University. His master's degree and Ph.D., both in applied economics and business with a major in risk and insurance, are from the University of Pennsylvania.