- State College Area School District
- Distinguished Alumni
2015 Rob Harbison
In high school, Robert E. “Rob” Harbison, Lt. Col. U.S. Army (Ret.), participated in marching band, concert band, and wind ensemble at the same time he began his shooting career with Tussey Mountain Junior Rifle Club. After leaving State High, Rob enrolled in University of Tennessee on an ROTC scholarship. There, he was a three-time rifle team All-American, won the 1987 NCAA championship air rifle title, and is in the university’s Hall of Fame.
Rob’s military career included Abrams tank platoon leader with the First Cavalry Division for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait and Iraq. He also was with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and was a member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic rifle team, along with World Class Athlete Program as an international rifle shooter. In 2001, Rob received his M.S. in Military Arts & Sciences at U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. His decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medals (5), Parachutist Badge, Distinguished Rifleman Badge, and International Distinguished Badge.
After retiring, Rob served as a civilian employee for U.S. Army experimentation on new technologies. At home, Rob enjoys woodworking, hunting and photography, along with volunteering with an organization providing temporary housing for homeless families, for which he has served as an overnight host as well as in meal preparations for the families. Rob is active in Habitat for Humanity. He also works with a small group of high school students, mentoring them through conversations about life skills and good citizenship.
For many years, Rob worked with thousands of youth of America, at national, regional, state and local levels, teaching proper handling and safety of weapons, marksmanship skills, and competitive shooting.