Awards

Chancellor and Provost Medallion - 1998

IU Southeast Chancellor's Medallion

New Albany, Indiana

Presenter: F.C. Richardson

About Samuel C. Robinson

Samuel Robinson is the president emeritus of the Lincoln Foundation, an organization focused on providing educational enrichment programs that support youths in Louisville, KY. After graduating from Tennessee State University in 1956 and serving in the Army for two years, Robinson went to Louisville in 1960 to work for the Lincoln Institute, a school created to educate black Kentuckians. He taught biology and math before becoming Principal, Dean of Education, and administrative assistant to the President. When the school closed in 1970, Robinson became the principal of Shawnee High School before attending IU for his Ed.D. Upon his return to Louisville, Robinson became the executive director of the Lincoln Foundation and later its president in 1991. He also served as the Executive-in-Residence for the Montessori schools and Bellarmine University.

Robinson has been very active in the Louisville community, serving on several bords, including those of Bellarmine University, PNC Bank, the National Board of the Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association, and Indiana University School of Education Board of Visitors. He served on the board of the Muhammed Ali Center and the African American Heritage Center. Robinson is a co-founder of the Louisville Chapter of One Hundred Black Men and the Kentucky Minority AIDS Council. Robinson has received over 100 honors throughout his career, including induction into the National African American Hall of Fame.

Robinson has received honorary doctorates from Northern Kentucky University and Bellarmine University. In 1997, Louisville Magazine named him one of Louisville ‘s 50 most influential citizens. In 2001, Louisville Mayor David Armstrong presented Dr. Robinson with the city’s second Dream Award, which recognizes someone who reflects the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In appreciation of his commitment to community service, his work as a social justice advocator, and his long-standing legacy as an outstanding educator, Robinson was presented an IU Southeast Chancellor and Provost Medallion by F.C. Richardson in 1998.