Ronald "Ron" Coffman

Full Name: Ronald Lee Coffman 

Education: B.S. Industrial Arts (1956), M.A. Education (1966)

Year Elected: Sophomore 

Involvment: ROTC (Cadet Colonel), Kappa Iota Epsilon Fraternity (President), Knights of Artillery (President), Omicron Alpha Kappa Men's Honors, Pershing's Rifles, Industrial Arts Club, Swimming Team, Drill Team. 

"A natural talent for leadership and service was evident in Col. Ronald Coffman back in 1954 when he served as the first president of Eastern’s Student Government Association. After his undergraduate experience concluded in 1956, the former Corps Commander with EKU’s ROTC program went on to a distinguished military career. His 25 years of service included two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he led the advanced party of the First Calvary Division headquarters from northern Vietnam to the central area in 1968. Coffman continued to climb the military ranks as Division Artillery Operations Officer and Operations Plans Officer for the Division. He was assigned to the Office of the Operations Directorate for the Army General Staff in the Pentagon and, after a promotion to Colonel, to the Joint Chief of Staff, commanding a Battle Staff Team at the Alternate National Military Command Center supporting Camp David and the U.S. President. At one point, Coffman even returned to Eastern to teach military science and earn his master’s degree in education. His military background and natural leadership ability led Coffman to launch his second career as president of Central Aviation Inc. and assist his alma mater with the establishment of its aviation program. Coffman continues to be active in Rotary International, having served as Richmond club president and District Governor. He is also a team leader for short-term mission trips to Haiti and has been integral to the development of St. Andrews Retirement Community in Richmond. Coffman gives much of the credit for his success to three of his EKU mentors: Dr. Ralph Whalen, Dr. John Rowlett and Col. A.L. Hatch. “I have long since attributed my basic understanding of the world we lived in at the time to these fine gentlemen (and) I continue to keep them in my heart as I endeavor to emulate their very genuine leadership of duty, honor and country,” he asserts. Eastern Kentucky University is proud to keep Col. Ronald Coffman in its heart as well." 

- EKU Magazine, Summer 2008 

- Eastern Progress, May 21st, 1954