Colorado School of Mines, 1970
Hometown: Monument, Colorado
Inducted March 2019
COL Robert Scharp (Ret) is a 1970 Distinguished Military Graduate from the Colorado School of Mines (Mines) with an Engineer of Mines degree. He also attended Harvard Business School and completed the Advanced Management Program (1987). While at Mines, his class was the last to have the Professional Degree (Silver Diploma). He commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers. In his senior year at Mines, he was the Corps of Cadets Commander. Following the Engineer Officer Basic Course, COL Scharp completed Ranger and Airborne schools before his assignment to Germany. He joined the Wyoming National Guard several years after he was released from active duty, following in the footsteps of his father who was a WWII veteran and member of the Nebraska National Guard. His father was killed while on official duty with the National Guard, so COL Scharp always felt drawn to the Guard. He spent the remainder of his military career in the Wyoming Guard and commanded units at the Battery, Battalion, and Brigade levels. His final command was the 115th Field Artillery Brigade. He retired in 1993.
While in the Guard, COL Scharp simultaneously served with distinction in his mining career. He worked for 22 years with the Kerr-McGee Corporation, serving in executive roles as President of their coal company and as a Senior Vice President of their oil and gas operations. After his retirement from Kerr-McGee, he became the CEO of Shell Coal Pty Ltd, and following its sale to Anglo Coal, remained as CEO. He also served as the acting CEO of Horizon Natural Resources and as Chairman of the Board. Throughout his dual careers, COL Scharp was an active volunteer, serving on numerous boards and industry associations. He currently is the Chairman of the Board for Westmoreland Coal Company (since September 2018). At the same time, he remained active with the School of Mines serving on numerous committees, including one for Trustee Development and chairing the Corporate/Foundation Gifts Committee.
His military awards include the Legion of Merit and the 1993 Garde Nationale Trophy. This national level Trophy was first presented in 1989 by the National Guard Association of the U.S. and recognizes significant achievement by a member of the National Guard in their civilian occupation. He was also awarded the Colorado School of Mines Distinguished Achievement Medal in 1994, which is given by the Board of Trustees in recognition of significant career achievements that enhance the reputation and mission of Mines. COL Scharp has been a loyal donor to Mines since 1985 and is a member of the President’s Council. Through his estate planning provision for Mines, he is also a member of the Heritage Society.
Bob is married to Cheryl (wife of 50 years), and they have two children, Paula (Littleton, CO) and Jacob (Gillette, WY), and two grandchildren.