Robert (Bob) Spencer Olpin (1940-2006) was a professor of art at the University of Utah for thirty-eight years and an author of numerous books on Utah art and sculpture. He was born in California and moved to Salt Lake City to attend the University of Utah. He graduated in 1963 and moved with his wife to Boston to attend graduate school. Olpin received his Masters degree from Boston University in 1965 and Ph.D. in 1971. They returned to Utah and Olpin began his long tenure with the University of Utah. He served not only as a professor but also chairman of the Art History Department, as well as dean of Fine Arts. He wrote many books on Utah art and artists and won numerous awards for his efforts to celebrate Utah art.
From the guide to the Robert S. Olpin papers, 1899-2005, (J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah)
