Bobby Robinson (athletic director)

Bobby Robinson
Biographical details
BornColumbia, South Carolina, U.S.
Alma materFurman (BA 1968)
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
Men's Golf
1974–1983Clemson
Administrative career (AD unless noted)
1977–1985Clemson (Asst. AD, Assoc. AD)
1985–2002Clemson
2003–?Georgia Tech (Sr. Assoc. AD)

Bobby Robinson is an American retired college athletics administrator.

Early life and education

Robinson was born in Columbia, South Carolina, and graduated from Furman University in 1968 with a degree in business and political science.

Career

Bobby worked in the housing office at Clemson University from 1970 until 1973, when he moved to the athletic department. Robinson was men's golf coach from 1974 through 1983, winning one Atlantic Coast Conference title and reaching three NCAA Tournaments. He was named business manager in 1975, assistant athletic director in 1977, and associate athletic director in 1980.[1]

Robinson was promoted to athletic director in 1985, after Bill McLellan was forced out amid drug and recruiting scandals. The scandals eventually led to the ouster of popular football coach Danny Ford, prompting threats against Robinson.[2] During his tenure, 16 of Clemson's 19 sports had at least one top-10 national finish. Robinson also began an $82 million fundraising campaign to improve facilities, and he created the nation's first student-athlete enrichment center, and athletes' grade point averages increased from 2.33 to 2.80.[1][3] Robinson retired from Clemson in 2002, and was replaced by Terry Don Phillips.[4]

In 2003, Robinson joined Georgia Tech's athletic department as Senior Associate Director of Athletics.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Bobby Robinson Joins Tech Staff". Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. July 30, 2003. Archived from the original on December 23, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  2. ^ "Clemson Athletic Director Threatened". The Washington Post. January 22, 1990. Archived from the original on August 28, 2017. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  3. ^ Neely, Robert. "Robinson says he lacks energy for job". GoUpstate. Archived from the original on January 12, 2024. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  4. ^ Iacobelli, Pete (June 30, 2002). "Robinson quietly leaves Clemson". The Oklahoman. Archived from the original on January 12, 2024. Retrieved January 12, 2024.