Bob and Nancy Blackman Scholarship in Music

The Bob and Nancy Blackman Scholarship in Music is available through the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation for students in good academic standing who are pursuing a degree in Music at the University of Central Missouri. This scholarship is made possible by way of generous gifts from friends and family of Bob Blackman, ’52.

Bob and Nancy Blackman first met in 1951 in a college class about ancient musical instruments at the University of Central Missouri (then known as Central Missouri State College). Bob was a senior who needed the class for his degree in Music Education, while Nancy had enrolled on the recommendation of her roommate. Contrary to what Nancy had been told, the class was not an easy “A.” However, she chose to stay in the class, not to learn how to play ancient instruments, but because of the tall, handsome guy who sat in the back. It took nearly the entire semester for him to ask her out. The rest is history, as they celebrated 71 years of marriage in August 2024.

Bob’s musical journey began as a young boy playing the cornet. As a high school student, he was fortunate to share the stage with some of Kansas City’s best jazz musicians. After high school, he joined the army and was stationed in Pisa, Italy where he was asked to start a Prisoner of War band. Although he didn’t speak the same language as the other band members, he was able to communicate with them through the universal language of music.

Bob went on to teach music in northern Missouri and Colorado. After earning a Master’s Degree in Counseling, he became a high school guidance counselor in Olathe, Kansas, where he worked until he retired. Meanwhile, after staying home to raise their four children, Nancy earned a degree in medical records and went on to manage the medical records department at Prime Health in Kansas City.

Music was always an essential part of Bob’s life, and his family is thrilled to establish this scholarship to honor both of their parents and encourage UCM students who share their father’s passion for music.