The Billings Chamber of Commerce announced that Dr. Robert J. Wilmouth, President of Rocky Mountain College, is the 2020 Legacy Award honoree.

Dr. Wilmouth has served in multiple leadership capacities in Billings for almost 30 years, and will be honored during the 2020 Billings Chamber Annual Meeting presented by KULR8 and PayneWest Insurance on September 10, at the Babcock Theater.

Dr. Wilmouth is an incredible champion for our community,” noted Chamber President and CEO John Brewer. “As Rocky Mountain College’s leader, he has led efforts to grow our workforce and expand the college with the new science center, and so much more. He has a long history of giving his time and resources to projects that will help Billings to grow and develop. Dr. Wilmouth is a true Billings asset.”

Dr. Wilmouth has been the President of Rocky Mountain College (RMC) since January 2013. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame in psychology and pre-professional studies. Following college, he worked as a marketing representative for the IBM Corporation in the financial branch in Chicago, Illinois.

During this time, he also served as a commissioned officer in the Army Reserves Medical Corps. After receiving his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Illinois, he was a surgical resident at the University of Colorado, followed by a two-year fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at New York University. He moved to Billings in 1991 and joined Billings Clinic as a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, and then as Chief of Cardiac Services and Medical Director.

He was also the Program Director for the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at RMC. According to one of his nominators, Tyler Wiltgen, Dr. Wilmouth “has taken RMC to the next level through his tireless pursuit of ‘getting better at everything we do.’”

Wiltgen credits Dr. Wilmouth with leading the charge to raise funds and construct the brand new Dr. Charles Morledge Science Center, outfitting Herb Klindt Field with lights and artificial turf, and as the champion of providing RMC students with the best possible educational experience.

“His leadership helped the College open it first ever doctorate program, in Occupational Therapy,” Wiltgen continued. “He has laid the groundwork for expansion of the College’s Physician Assistant Master’s program as well.” In his time at RMC, Wiltgen recognizes Dr. Wilmouth’s efforts in establishing the College as a true community partner, through his service on the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Riverstone Health Foundation, Billings Symphony, and Big Sky Economic Development Boards.

Dr. Wilmouth holds certifications from the American College of Surgeons, the National Board of Medical Examiners, the American Heart Association, the American Board of Surgery, and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.