William E. Keister was born on May 21, 1924. He attended Roanoke College and graduate in 1945 with an A.B. degree. Keister continued his education at Columbia University where he received his M.A. degree in 1947. At both college's, Keister majored in English.
Keister was the publisher of the Northern Virginia Daily from 1972 until he retired, and was the recipient of 16 awards from the Freedom Foundation of Valley Forge. Five of those awards were for his distinguished service in publishing. He was the president of Keister Advertising, Inc. from 1960-1976 and he was a member of the Roanoke College Associates and the Society of 1842.
William E. Keister was awarded the Roanoke College Medal on June 24, 1993 for representing the ideals of responsible leadership, intellectual integrity and good citizenship through his professional accomplishments and service to the community and his alma mater.
William E. Keister received the Roanoke College Medal in 1993.