While working on a master's from the University of Missouri, he left to become a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war he would be state commander of the Missouri American Legion.
After the war they moved to Maryville where he purchased E.L Townsend Grocery Co. which he operated until 1948 when he became registrar and later director of admissions at Northwest. He finished his master's in 1951 and a Phd from the University of Missouri in 1960.
He served as dean of administration from 1959 until 1964.
Northwest president
He was the first president to deal with increased competition from Missouri Western State University. His approach was to massively grow the school. Building built under his watch included:[2]
Garrett-Strong Science Building
Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building;
Four high-rise residence halls
Donald Valk Building
Expansion of the J.W. Jones Student Union
Colden Hall renovations
Martindale Hall renovations
Administration Building renovations
Memorial Bell Tower - the first building funded by the Northwest Foundation
The school changed from a four year school to having a master program resulting in its name change from Northwest Missouri State College to Northwest Missouri State University.[3]
Post presidency
Foster remained active in Maryville after leaving the presidency receiving a Silver Antelope Award for his work in the Boy Scouts.
In 1981 the Robert P. Foster Aquatic Center was named for him.[4]