As Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University continues to make changes, interim President Dr. Larry Robinson has yet to let those changes affect his growing relationships with the student body.
On Saturday, the Rattlers football team took home their first win at Bragg Stadium against Savannah State University. Once the clock ran out, the crowd erupted with jubilee and rushed to the field. The excitement from the crowds roared through the campus.
When the football players returned to their locker rooms to celebrate, they said they were surprised to see Dr. Larry Robinson, who introduced himself to them. Javon Hunt, a first year criminal justice student and defensive tackle for the Rattlers, expressed his excitement for Dr. Robinson’s efforts to get the Rattlers excited about their big win.
Hunt said, “He just came in, and gave us words of encouragement. And was like ‘keep up the good work and win the MEAC finals’.”
In just his first two weeks as Rattler in chief, Dr. Robinson has managed to leave an incredible impression with the students at FAMU.
Board Chair Kelvin Lawson, once referred to Dr. Robinson as being “respected among the higher education community as a leader, researcher, and educator,” but he said that what the students at FAMU are seeing is a man who is just passionate about the university.
According to Presidential Ambassador President Dewayne Daniel, who is a second year Pharmacy candidate, he met Robinson in 2013, and said that the new interim president has never been the one to disappoint.
“He seemed like a down to earth man who wanted the best for the students and faculty,” said Daniel, “He had an aurora that was inviting and he showed genuine love for the university. As a freshman that came as a surprise to me.”
Students on the royal court said they had the pleasure of feeling the aurora of Robinson that Daniel was talking about. Royal court student advisor and third year public relations student, Darius Bowers, recalls the first time he met Robinson at the FAMU versus Tuskegee game in Mobile, Alabama.
According to Bowers, Dr. Robinson is a “kind and humble spirit.”
“He’s operated as interim president before, so I believe he’ll execute the task at hand,” said Bowers.
With their high hopes attached, students are looking forward to the progression of the university under the leadership of Dr. Robinson. His humility and personable skills has made him approachable, ready and willing to make a difference in moving FAMU forward.