Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1990
- Class:
- 1985
Robert M. “Bob” Hartley is one of the most beloved figures in the history of Mississippi State athletics, having served as the department’s Sports Information Director from 1946-85.
A 1942 alumnus of MSU, Hartley returned to Starkville after spending time as assistant sports editor of The Clarion Ledger and sports editor of The Meridian Star. He held the title of Sports Information Director for 32 years and was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations. He retired from full-time work in 1985 but continued to assist the department as a consultant.
Hartley worked with nine head football coaches during his time at State, from Allyn McKeen to Emory Bellard—eight head basketball coaches, from Stanfield Hitt to Bob Boyd—and five head baseball coaches, from Dudy Noble to Ron Polk.
He was inducted into the College Sports Communicators Hall of Fame in 1969 and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.
