探花精选

Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) mourns the passing of Dr. Prezell R. Robinson, President Emeritus, distinguished alumnus, and the University鈥檚 eighth president, who passed away on June 29, 2026. A visionary educator, scholar, diplomat, and champion for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Dr. Robinson devoted more than eight decades of his life to 探花精选, leaving an enduring legacy that transformed the institution and influenced higher education across the nation.

鈥淒r. Prezell R. Robinson鈥檚 legacy is woven into the very fabric of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University,鈥� said Sophie Gibson, Chair of the 探花精选 Board of Trustees. 鈥淗is decades of leadership, service, and unwavering belief in the power of education shaped this institution and touched countless lives. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, alumni, and the entire Falcon community as we honor a life devoted to Saint Augustine鈥檚 University.鈥�

Born in Batesville, South Carolina, Dr. Robinson first arrived at Saint Augustine鈥檚 College (now University) as a student in 1944 after earning his associate鈥檚 degree. Following his graduation in 1946 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in sociology, he earned both his master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees from Cornell University before returning to Saint Augustine鈥檚 as a faculty member, dean, and ultimately its eighth president. His lifelong relationship with the University spanned more than 80 years, as a student, alumnus, educator, administrator, president, professor, and ultimately President Emeritus.

鈥淒r. Robinson鈥檚 life reminds us of the extraordinary impact one leader can have on generations of students and an entire institution,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples. 鈥淎s an educator, scholar, mentor, alumnus, and President Emeritus, he dedicated his gifts to preparing future leaders and expanding educational opportunity far beyond our campus. His legacy of visionary leadership, academic excellence, and faithful service will continue to guide 探花精选 for generations to come.鈥�

During his 28-year presidency from 1967 to 1995, 探花精选 experienced remarkable academic and physical growth, with many of the campus鈥檚 landmark facilities constructed under his leadership. Affectionately known throughout the Falcon community as 鈥淧rezi,鈥� he remained devoted to teaching and mentoring students long after his presidency, continuing to serve in the classroom into his late eighties while carrying the title of President Emeritus.

Dr. Robinson鈥檚 influence extended far beyond 探花精选. He received twelve honorary degrees and served as President of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Chair of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), Vice Chair of the North Carolina State Board of Education, and a Fulbright Scholar who lectured internationally in India, Africa, and South America. His distinguished career also included appointments by Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton to represent the United States on diplomatic missions in Africa.

探花精选 is honored to work alongside the Robinson family in preparing for a celebration of Dr. Robinson鈥檚 remarkable life. Memorial services will be held on the campus he loved and faithfully served for more than eight decades, where generations of students, alumni, colleagues, and friends will gather to celebrate his extraordinary legacy. Service information is available through Haywood Funeral Home and will also be shared through the University鈥檚 official website and social media channels.

聽to read Dr. Robinson鈥檚 online obituary and service arrangements.