Robert W. Coon, MD, served as former dean of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and vice president for health sciences.

Dr. Coon was appointed dean of the medical school in 1976, a time punctuated by uncertainty for the brand-new medical school, which had been created just two years earlier. Characterized by many as the father of Marshall’s medical school, Coon, a native of Montana, was remembered as visionary and one of a handful of pivotal leaders in the creation of the school.

Coon was appointed acting dean in January 1976 following the departure of Robert C. Parlett, MD, PhD, who served as the school’s first administrator for approximately 18 months. Coon was named dean the following July and remained in the position until he retired in 1985. The Robert W. Coon Education Building at the VA Medical Center in Spring Valley bears his name.

Dr. Coon passed away Dec. 12, 2015, at the age of 96.

"Suffice it to say Dr. Coon was truly the man for the job as Marshall was establishing the medical school in the 1970s. In the early years, as the direction of the school was being plotted, Dean Coon provided strong, smart and sincere leadership and focused his intense energy on building a solid foundation.  We are forever grateful for his vision, tenacity and his genuine love of Marshall which led to the great school we respect and nurture today."
- Joseph I. Shapiro, MD, Dean of the School of Medicine

“It was a difficult time with unusual circumstances as Marshall forged ahead with plans for the medical school. In my estimation, no two people played a bigger role than Bob Coon and Bob Hayes (former Marshall University president). Coon’s very strong medical leadership during those critical years provided the firm, solid and appropriate foundation for the outstanding institution that serves our region so successfully.”
- Charles H. McKown, MD, longtime former dean of the School of Medicine