Chancellor Charles Robinson was recently selected as the 2024 Leader of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arkansas. 

The award recognizes Arkansas leaders who have made a significant positive impact on youth development. "We especially appreciate that Dr. Robinson is working to help low-income Arkansans and first-generation students receive scholarship help for higher education. This is critical for the advancement of our state," said Cindy Doramus, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arkansas.  

Robinson received the award during a luncheon at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock on Oct. 17. This annual event is a key fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arkansas, attracting business, government, education and community leaders from across the state.

In a congratulatory video played before the award was presented, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders commended Robinson for dedicating his career to "uplifting our state's young men and women," highlighting his commitment to "getting first-generation college students into our state's flagship university and setting them up for a lifetime of success." After receiving the award, Robinson participated in a Q&A session that covered topics such as the U of A's efforts to increase educational access, the university's role in local and regional development, and the characteristics of an effective leader.

"Receiving this award is a tremendous honor, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arkansas," Robinson said. "Their commitment to promoting academic success and civic responsibility among young people aligns seamlessly with our mission at the U of A." 

Robinson joins previous Leader of the Year honorees with U of A ties, including baseball coach Dave Van Horn (2018), football coach Sam Pittman (2021) and athletic director Hunter Yurachek (2023).