Remembering Dr. Robert Liebelt, NEOMED’s first College of Medicine dean

Dr. Robert Liebelt, NEOMED’s first College of Medicine dean, died quietly while in hospice on Saturday, Dec. 16. He was 96.

Dr. Liebelt was instrumental in building the former Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (NEOUCOM) during his tenure as its first dean. He was also the first to hold the dual role of dean and provost.

Dr. Liebelt had a reputation as an outstanding speaker and communicator. These skills helped him bring together local universities, hospitals and business leaders to buy into the new medical school and its vision.

Dr. Liebelt referred to himself as NEOMED’s “construction manager” in the early years, as he recruited and hired faculty, developed the curriculum, and worked to increase admissions as well as consortium hospital affiliations.

A highlight of Dr. Liebelt’s tenure was overseeing the University’s first commencement and conferring degrees to the charter class of 1981. Along with the help of a few others, Dr. Liebelt officiated over the presentation of Doctor of Medicine degrees to the 42 graduates at the ceremony in E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron.

Just over a year later, in September 1982, Dr. Liebelt retired from NEOMED upon accepting a new challenge as vice president of medical education at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron.

Dr. Liebelt would return to NEOMED’s commencement in 2018 — this time to receive an honorary degree for his many contributions during the early years of the University. Dr. Liebelt accepted the honor on Armed Forces Day, which served as dual recognition for this veteran of the U.S. Navy, who had served as a turret gunner during World War II.

Per Dr. Liebelt’s request, private funeral services were held. Please see his obituary for more information on his storied life.

At a to-be-determined date in 2024, NEOMED will hold a tribute to Dr. Liebelt.

A mentor and friend to many, Dr. Liebelt’s contributions to NEOMED are evident throughout the vast work of the University’s transformational leaders.