About Charles F. Robinson
Charles F. Robinson, the seventh chancellor of the University of Arkansas, is committed to advancing the university’s land-grant mission to provide opportunity and transform lives through education, research and service.
Dr. Robinson was appointed chancellor in November 2022, after serving as interim chancellor since August 2021, as the university recognized the 150th anniversary of its founding. The U of A has set several institutional records under his leadership, including those for graduation rate, retention rate, scholarship funding and enrollment. In addition, the university conducted a record $221.5 million in research in fiscal year 2023, while investing $136 million more of its own resources into applied research facilities since 2021.
Chancellor Robinson prioritizes supporting student success, augmenting the institution’s research enterprise and enhancing the university’s status as an employer of choice. He has minimized, or several times frozen, tuition increases for in-state students while adding several million dollars in scholarship support for Arkansans and raising employee pay. He is also overseeing construction projects such as the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R), the Multi-User Silicone Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility (MUSiC), and the Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation, facilities which will add critical square footage to accelerate the growing research enterprise as they are completed in the coming months.
Robinson became chancellor after serving the U of A in several capacities over the course of more than two decades. He joined the university as an assistant professor of history in 1999 and was promoted to full professor in 2011. He was then promoted to positions of increasing responsibility, including vice chancellor for Student Affairs and provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs.
Before becoming chancellor, Robinson spearheaded initiatives such as Advance Arkansas — a $10 million scholarship effort for first-generation, low-income Arkansans — and the College Access Initiative, a college readiness outreach program serving underrepresented students and under-resourced schools statewide. Under his leadership, the university constructed Adohi Hall, which is the only residence hall in the United States to use sustainable cross-laminated timber. Robinson also oversaw an expansion of Pat Walker Health Center and led strategic planning for the university’s 71,000 square foot Student Success Center.
An accomplished historian, Robinson’s research and teaching focus on southern history. He has earned many awards for his teaching, including the Fulbright College Master Teacher Award, Arkansas Student Alumni Board Teacher of the Year, and induction into the university’s Teaching Academy.
Robinson holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Houston, a master’s degree in history from Rice University and a doctorate in history from the University of Houston.
Known as an engaged and approachable leader on campus, Robinson is also heavily involved with multiple regional, state and national organizations including recent or current roles on the Arkansas Research Alliance Board of Directors, AETN Foundation Board, Northwest Arkansas Council Advisory Committee, ARVEST Bank Board of Directors, National Merit Scholarship Corporation Board of Directors, Center for First-Generation Student Success Advisory Board and the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities Council of Presidents. In fall 2023, College Board honored him with its Exceptional Service to Education Award.
Charles F. Robinson