(JACKSON, Miss.) – The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning approved Dean Emeritus status for Dollye M.E. Robinson at its February 16 meeting. The former College of Liberal Arts Dean, who has served Jackson State University for 60 years, is also a full Professor in the Department of Music.
“Dr. Robinson’s lifetime of service and commitment to excellence has been a tremendous asset to this university and its students,” said Carolyn W. Meyers, JSU President. “The Dean Emeritus designation ensures that students will continue to benefit from all that Dean Robinson has to offer.”
Mark Hardy, JSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, agreed.
“The Dean Emeritus distinction is a special honor reserved for those who have not only given so much of themselves, but in doing so have left an immeasurable mark on their respective institutions,” Hardy said.
In recognition of Robinson’s numerous contributions, the College of Liberal Arts building bears her name.
Robinson’s dedication to Jackson State will long be remembered, said Thomas Calhoun, Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.
“Dr. Robinson has molded generations of leaders,” Calhoun said. “I consider myself fortunate to have been mentored by her.”
Robinson began her career at JSU in 1952 as the Assistant Band Director and Instructor of Music. Since that time, Robinson has served in leadership positions including head of the Department of Music, Chair of the Division of Fine Arts, Associate Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. During her tenure at JSU, Robinson has led significant progress at the university including designing and supervising the construction of the F.D. Hall Music Center and providing significant input in the design of the College of Liberal Arts building, which is named in her honor. She also initiated the degree programs for the Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Music Performance and the Master of Music Education, while supervising the self-study process for initial accreditation for the Department of Music and the Department of Art, and for the university in 1971 with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
A Jackson native, Robinson earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Jackson State and a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University. She has also studied at Boston University and the Boston College of Music.
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About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives
Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of the state of Mississippi. Jackson State’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, health-care, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State is located near downtown, with three satellite campuses throughout the city. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu.