“Dr. Robinson has been an exemplary leader and supporter of
FAMU and his service to the university deserves to be recognized,” said Interim
Provost Rodner Wright, event chair. “It is an honor to create an endowed
scholarship in his name and continue his legacy of ‘Excellence With Caring’ for
generations to come.”
During a recent trip to Tampa, FAMU National Alumni
Association chapters and leadership kicked-off the fundraising efforts for the
endowed scholarship with pledges and checks totaling $30,000.
“From research scientist to assistant secretary for Commerce to provost to interim president, the entire FAMU community recognizes that Dr. Larry Robinson has been a passionate advocate for FAMU and enhancing our students’ educational experience and the profile of the institution,” said Vice President for University Advancement Thomas Haynes. “We hope this small token of our appreciation will express our gratitude for his service.”
Robinson has served as the interim president since July
2012. He previously served as director/professor in FAMU’s Environmental
Sciences Institute (recently renamed the School of the Environment) from
1997-2003; provost and vice president for Academic Affairs from 2003-2005;
served briefly as chief operating officer in 2007 and also served as vice
president for Research from 2009-2010. In May 2010, Robinson took a leave of
absence from the university to serve as assistant secretary for Commerce for
Conservation and Management at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. He supported and managed NOAA's coastal and marine programs,
including marine sanctuaries for preserving areas of special national
significance, fisheries management to sustain economic prosperity, and nautical
charts for safe navigation. He also supported NOAA's participation as a lead
agency addressing the BP oil spill crisis and President Obama's Ocean Policy
Task Force.
Robinson returned to the university as special assistant and professor on November 21, 2011, and coordinated the administrative and eminent scholar searches, the integration of Graduate Studies and Title III programs with the Division of Sponsored Research, and the reorganization of the administrative structure and matters related to the investigation of hazing at FAMU.