Dr. R. Lemoyne Robinson

Dr. R. Lemoyne Robinson is the Founder and Chancellor of City University Schools (City University School of Liberal Arts, City University School Boys Preparatory, City University School Girls Preparatory and City University School of Independence), college preparatory public charter schools that provide academically rigorous environments and high quality programs.

With more than 320 scholars in grades nine through twelve, City University School of Liberal Arts (City University) has already begun to make a large impact on public education. Since 2008, the school graduated an average 65 seniors per year who have received more than $20 million in scholarships and collectively performed more than 50,000 community service hours. In addition to the 100% college acceptance rate of the school’s graduates, scholars at all grade levels participate in many local and national programs that truly prepare them for a better future.

Before founding City University, Dr. Robinson served as the Director for the Division of Multicultural Affairs at the State University of New York at Potsdam. In this position, he directed the College’s diversity and community outreach efforts, as well as, supervised state and federally funded grant programs. For his ability to define the College’s commitment to diversity; increase the recruitment and retention of students of color; redevelop the campus Greek system; and his implementation of the Ethnic Lounge of Unity and Campus Civility Center, SUNY Potsdam presented Dr. Robinson with the President’s Award for Excellence in Improving Campus Climate and Promoting Community Outreach.

Prior to joining Potsdam, Dr. Robinson served as the Director of Student Life at Dyersburg State Community College in Dyersburg, Tennessee. While also serving as the Enrollment Manager for the community college, Robinson was a Carl Brown Fellow for the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Robinson has also served in student affairs positions at Murray State University and the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Dr. Robinson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from The University of Tennessee at Martin. He earned a Master of Science degree in Organizational Communication from Murray State University and completed his doctoral coursework in Higher Education Administration at the University of Memphis.

As a social entrepreneur and philanthropist, Robinson lends his support to many individuals and organizations. He currently serves as a member of the University of Tennessee Board of Governors, as well as, a member of Memphis Tourism Foundation and Leadership Memphis, Board of Directors. Previously he served as the Alumni Council President for the University of Tennessee at Martin and the chair for the Memphis Youth and Guidance Commission. In that capacity, he served as the liaison between the Commission, the Mayor and Memphis City Council.

Dr. Robinson is also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Influence1 Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a focus on youth and community efforts. He developed Influence1 to lessen the burden of local, state and federal government as it regards education, community revitalization and crime/risk reduction in urban communities.

For his work in the community and efforts to assist Memphis in its progression, Dr. Robinson was recognized by the Memphis Business Journal as one of the city’s “Top 40 Under 40,” as well as, honored with the Orchid Award presented by Justice, Unity, Generosity, and Service International-Memphis Chapter. He was also recognized by the Tri-State Defender as one of the “50 Men of Excellence,” and by Impact Memphis as an “Impact Maker” in the field of Education.

Of his many honors, accolades, and accomplishments, he is most humbled by his recognition from the University of Tennessee at Martin as the 2011 Outstanding Young Alumni.

Dr. Robinson believes that his life’s work is found in ensuring access and equality in the American educational system. Robinson returned to his hometown to share his professional experience and personal excitement for providing opportunities of community enrichment. Due to his belief that his life was enhanced by a diversity of experiences, he is firmly committed to being of service to urban communities on many levels.