May 2007 

Bob received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1964. At the University of Utah from 1964-1986 he helped create Computer Aided Geometric Design, a science and engineering discipline that integrated the first interactive computer graphics with his applied mathematics background. He came to Arizona State University, as Chair of the Computer Science Department, in 1986. From 1991-1997 Dr. Barnhill was the (second) ASU Vice President for Research. During this time ASU was recognized as a Carnegie Research I institution. He returned to his hometown alma mater, the University of Kansas, as Vice Chancellor for Research from 1997-2003, After a year at the National Science Foundation as the Dean in Residence and two years at the University of Texas as its initial Vice Chancellor for Research, he has returned to his Phoenix home.

His wife, Marigold Linton, was a Professor of Psychology at the University of Utah, where they met. At ASU, she was Director of Educational Services, and then inaugurated the American Indian Programs at ASU East (nee Polytechnic). She is also a member of the ASU Retirees Association.

Bob was interviewed by ASURA's Video History Project team on April 11, 2011. A short clip from the interview is available for on-line viewing.