Chancellor Robinson Honored for Achievements in Higher Education

Chancellor Charles Robinson recently received a Platinum Achievement Award from Fort Valley State University's Cooperative Developmental Energy Program (CDEP).  

"The Cooperative Developmental Energy Program of Fort Valley State University recognizes minorities and women who have achieved high level positions in energy related fields, government, education or corporate America," said Dr. Isaac J. Crumbly, who established CDEP in 1983. "This year, CDEP is proud to honor Dr. Charles Robinson, first Black chancellor of the University of Arkansas, for his achievements in higher education."  

The recognition comes as Robinson approaches his 25th anniversary at the U of A. He joined the university as an assistant professor of history in 1999 and was promoted to full professor in 2011. Robinson also served as director of the African and African American Studies Program, vice provost for diversity, vice chancellor for Student Affairs and provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs before being named interim chancellor in August 2021 and becoming the university's seventh chancellor in November 2022. Under Robinson's leadership, the U of A has set institutional records in areas including graduation rate, retention rate, scholarship funding, enrollment and research expenditures. 

"This award is a reflection of the collective successes we have achieved together at the University of Arkansas in recent years," Robinson said. "I am deeply grateful to every member of our campus community for their efforts to support student success, advance research excellence and maintain our status as an employer of choice. I'm also thankful to Dr. Isaac Crumbly, both for this prestigious honor and for setting an example of selflessness and service that every educator should aspire to follow." 

Crumbly — part of the leadership team of Fort Valley State University's College of Arts and Sciences — established CDEP 41 years ago to address the underrepresentation of minorities and women in the energy industry. He has since expanded the program to include partnerships with government agencies, industry and several universities. In 2010, the U of A partnered with CDEP in a dual degree program that allows students to earn a bachelor's degree in chemistry or mathematics from Fort Valley State University and then come to the U of A to pursue a second bachelor's degree in engineering or geosciences. The U of A has also assisted several CDEP students with master's degrees in geosciences and mathematics. 

CDEP has recognized Platinum Achievement Award winners since 1989. In addition to Robinson, this year's recipients included Chancellor Robert J. Jones of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Josetta Jones, Chevron's Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. 

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.