Last week’s 36th Annual Black History Celebration in Raleigh, North Carolina, hosted by SAU alumna Octavia Rainey, Class of 1978, in partnership with the College Park, Idlewild, and Tarboro Road Community Center, served as a heartfelt tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Prezell R. Robinson. At 105 years old, the esteemed alumnus and president emeritus continues to inspire generations through his remarkable life of scholarship, leadership, and service.
The event brought together numerous civic, educational, and community leaders to honor Dr. Robinson’s enduring impact. Among those in attendance were U.S. Congresswoman Deborah Ross, North Carolina Senator Dan Blue, Wake County Commissioner Tara Waters, Raleigh City Council Members Corey Branch and Stormie Forte, Saint Augustine’s University Interim President Dr. Jennie Ward-Robinson, Shaw University President Dr. Paulette Dillard, members of the SAU Class of 1975, and Dr. Robinson’s daughter, alumna JeSanne Robinson Johnson, Class of 1988. The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Al Leaston, the newly elected pastor of the historic First Congregational Church.
Dr. Robinson, born Prezell Russell Robinson in Batesville, South Carolina, came to Saint Augustine’s College in 1944 after completing his associate’s degree. A gifted athlete and accomplished scholar, he graduated in 1946 with a degree in sociology before continuing his education at Cornell University, where he earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees.
Following his studies, Dr. Robinson returned to Saint Augustine’s and served the institution in several roles, including faculty member and dean. In 1967, he was appointed the college’s eighth president, a position he held with distinction until 1995. During his presidency, the university experienced significant growth, including the construction of many of the buildings that still stand on campus today.
Throughout his career, Dr. Robinson received 12 honorary degrees and gained national and international recognition for his leadership. Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, and Bill Clinton appointed him to roles supporting diplomatic and educational engagement with Africa. Known affectionately on campus as “Prezi,” he also served as Vice Chair of the North Carolina Board of Education and held leadership roles with the United Negro College Fund and the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. His peers once recognized him as one of the most effective presidents among the nation’s 117 historically Black colleges and universities.
In addition to his administrative leadership, Dr. Robinson was a Fulbright Scholar who lectured internationally in India, Africa, and South America. Even after stepping down as president, his commitment to education never wavered. He continued teaching in the classroom until the age of 89 and remains an active presence at the university as President Emeritus.
