Purdue News
Purdue News
|
|
June 2, 1998
Student services veteran accepts Purdue postWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- A University of Massachusetts administrator with more than 25 years of experience working with college students will be the next vice president for student services at Purdue University.
"Tom Robinson emerged from an extremely strong group of national candidates," said Robert L. Ringel, executive vice president for academic affairs. "The depth and diversity of his administrative experience and his understanding of student issues form an ideal background for the responsibilities he will undertake at Purdue." At UMass, Robinson is part of the chancellor's administrative team helping to develop and implement policy for the 24,000-student research and land-grant university. The university's Student Government Association presented Robinson with its first Administrator of the Year Award in 1996. "I'm especially pleased that Dr. Robinson not only has a proven record of strong leadership, both administrative and organizational, but also a commitment to the quality of student programs and student life," said Purdue President Steven C. Beering. Purdue's vice president for student services is responsible for an administrative area that comprises admissions, the registrar, the dean of students, financial aid, recreational sports, career and employment services, the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, Convocations and Lectures, Purdue Musical Organizations, University Bands and the Student Health Center. At UMass, Robinson has been responsible for similar areas as well as student residence halls. Robinson, whose appointment is subject to ratification by the Board of Trustees, replaces David B. Henson, who left Purdue in May 1997 to become president of Lincoln University at Jefferson City, Mo. L. Tony Hawkins has been interim vice president for student services and will continue his permanent appointment as dean of students. Robinson, a native of Hagerstown, Md. , grew up in the Chicago suburb of Villa Park, Ill. He earned doctoral and master's degrees from Pennsylvania State University and earned a bachelor's degree from Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pa. After earning his master's degree, Robinson worked at Juniata College, becoming dean of students in 1972. After completing his doctorate, he worked as a dean or vice president of student services at New England College, University of New Haven, Montana State University and California State Polytechnic University before accepting the vice chancellor post at UMass. He also has served in leadership roles for two other university areas -- university relations and development. He also has taught education courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Sources: Steven C. Beering, (765) 494-9708 NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: A black-and-white photo of Thomas B. Robinson is available from Purdue News Service, (765) 494-2096.
|
