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Jackson State University Vice President and Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson was nominated as one of the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) 7th Annual Best Dressed Jackson honorees.
“It’s an honor to be selected as the Best Dressed in Jackson for such a worthy cause and event. I’ve seen the effects of cancer first hand, as my mother is a breast cancer survivor. It’s a blessing to help raise continued awareness for the disease and help to benefit all whom have been impacted.”
Best Dressed Jackson started as a young professionals’ fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and has since evolved into a fashion and philanthropic fundraiser that has become the Who’s Who of Central Mississippi.
Brandi Starbuck, senior development manager at ACS, explained that the honorees are unique with different networks and corporate sponsors. The honorees also have a specific amount of time to fundraise over $3,000.
“We received nominations from our past honorees, volunteers, and committee members. The selections were based on character, community connections, a stylish presence, and giving nature. We hand-selected 27 Best Dressed Jackson Honorees this year, and we are honored by how passionate they all are! Our goal was to fundraise over $150,000, and today, we are over $87,000,” said Brandi Starbuck, senior development manager of ACS.
Robinson oversees all aspects of the JSU Division of Athletics, including hiring coaches, scheduling, budget preparation, promotion, public relations, compliance, and facility management. He has brought in over $2 million in guaranteed games, developed a new partnership with Nike through BSN SPORTS, and began the inaugural Ashley Robinson Golf Tournament to assist with operational costs, among other noted accomplishments.
Robinson also partnered with SIDEARM Sports and launched a new state-of-the-art athletics website. He currently acts as the chairperson of the SWAC Athletic Director Committee and is the first vice president on the Division I Football Championship Subdivision Athletic Association Committee. The Jackson native previously served as the vice president and director of athletics at Prairie View A&M University. His tenure was marked by championships in competition, academic success, and the completion of athletic facilities and renovations.
The event was held on April 7, 2022, at The Railroad District.