Gary Dillard and Bob Hoyt

Dr. Gary Eugene Dillard was born April 26, 1938, in Ridgway, Illinois. He began his Hilltopper legacy when he came to WKU in 1968. Dr. Dillard then served as a Biology Professor for 33 years. He also served as the president of the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society. Both Hilltoppers, he and his wife, Mrs. Marilyn Sue Dillard, have been longtime donors to WKU. Dr. Dillard is a member of the Cherry Society, Cupola Society, and the President’s Circle.

Dr. Robert (Bob) Dan Hoyt was born September 24, 1941, in Conway, Arkansas. He attended the University of Central Arkansas as an undergraduate before receiving his doctorate from the University of Louisville. He came to WKU in 1969, and served as a Professor of Biology for 32 years. Dr. Hoyt did extensive research in the area of fish life. He and his wife, Mrs. Theresa Hoyt were married on June 7, 1962, in Conway, Arkansas, and have five children and five grandchildren.

Both Dr. Gary Dillard and Dr. Bob Hoyt were honored with the award of University Distinguished Professors during their time at WKU. Upon their retirements in 2001, the Biology Department faculty established the Dillard/Hoyt Scholarship Fund to further honor these outstanding men. These two men were not only influential in their students’ lives, but also the lives of their colleagues. Through this fund, the legacies of these professors continue as deserving students pursue their degree Biology.