Patricia Robinson

Position:

In my role as the Evaluation and Grants Project Director for TRIO Upward Bound Programs, I'm committed to increasing educational opportunities and diminishing social, academic, cultural, and socio-economic barriers for high school students seeking entrance into and success in post-secondary education from Barberton, Lorain, McKinley, Ravenna, and Windham school districts. 

Experience:

Before joining Kent State University, I gained experience in high school and college admissions, career advising, job placement, and program development in my roles with the University of Akron Undergraduate Admissions and Transfer Centers, Medina County Career Center, JVSD, Jobs for Ohio's Graduates, and Akron Children’s Hospital. For ten years, as an entrepreneur, I partnered to grow a new corporation through my leadership in marketing, advertising, and human resources. Additionally, throughout my professional life, my work supports historically marginalized groups with a passion to improve systems leading to equitable and inclusive practices; and personally as a first-generation college graduate. Academically, my dissertation topic sets out to examine how entry-level higher education administrators are prepared by their master’s educational preparation programs to support retention and persistence efforts for the first-generation college student demographic. 

Favorite place on the Kent campus:

Depending on the weather, Risman Plaza or University Library.

Best advice for students:

ʺYou are one decision away from greatness.ʺ (Wes Moore)