Chris Robinson, one of the most accomplished figures in University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) football history, was appointed Director of Athletics in June 2021 after serving as the university's Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director. Robinson was later named Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics in July 2024. Prior to his leadership role in athletics, Robinson spent eight years serving UAPB through the Office of Recruitment, continuing a longstanding commitment to the institution that has defined both his professional and athletic career.
A native of Prichard, Alabama, Robinson arrived at UAPB following an outstanding high school career at Mattie T. Blount High School, where he played under Coach Santee Gamble and the legendary Hall of Fame Coach Ben Harris. He began his collegiate football career under legendary UAPB coach Archie "The Gunslinger" Cooley before transferring to Southern University, where he played quarterback under College Football Hall of Fame coach Marino Casem.
When UAPB reinstated football in 1993, Robinson returned to Pine Bluff and played a pivotal role in rebuilding the program under Coach Lee Hardman, the winningest coach in school history. The Golden Lions posted a 6-5 record in their return season, and Robinson subsequently led the team to the 1994 NAIA National Championship Game. His remarkable postseason performance included a legendary seven-touchdown effort, six passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown, in a dramatic come from behind overtime semifinal victory.
Following his playing career, Robinson entered the private corporate management sector before returning to athletics at MidAmerica Nazarene University. There, he coached quarterbacks and running backs, served as an assistant softball coach, and held the role of Director of Minority Affairs.
Robinson later returned to UAPB, where he taught marketing while coaching offensive skill players and special teams. He also managed football operations and served as the program's NFL liaison. After spending a decade in the corporate sector, he returned to "The Pride" in 2012, bringing extensive leadership and business experience back to his alma mater.
In recognition of his athletic achievements and contributions to the university, Robinson was inducted into the UAPB Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from UAPB and a Master of Business Administration from MidAmerica Nazarene University.
As Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics, Robinson has overseen significant competitive and institutional success. In his first year leading the department, the Golden Lions football team captured its first SWAC Western Division title since 2012 and advanced to the Spring 2021 SWAC Championship Game.
His leadership has continued to elevate UAPB Athletics. In July 2022, Robinson was appointed to the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) Executive Committee. He also serves on the Executive Board of Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity, the Jefferson County Neighbor to Neighbor Board, and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Board. Robinson was recently appointed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to serve on the Governor's Council on Arkansas Boards and Commissions.
Under Robinson's administration, UAPB Athletics has achieved notable milestones, including the women's basketball program advancing to its first SWAC Championship Game in school history and the men's golf team capturing three SWAC Championships and one HBCU National Championship. The department has also celebrated significant accomplishments in men's basketball, baseball, and track and field. Robinson has spearheaded transformational facility improvements and capital projects across the athletics department, including the development of the school's first on campus Track and Soccer Complex, first softball fieldhouse, creation of the Thomas May Fieldhouse Fuel Station, renovations to the football locker room, improvements to the soccer locker room, men's and women's basketball locker rooms, volleyball locker room, and upgrades to the Torii Hunter Baseball Complex and the HPER Arena.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Robinson is deeply committed to family. He is married to Kim George Robinson, a UAPB alumna and two-time All-American track athlete. Together, they have three children, Christopher and Kylan, both former UAPB student-athletes, and their daughter Kaylen, a current UAPB student, affectionately known as "The BOSS."
Robinson's lifelong connection to UAPB as a student athlete, coach, educator, administrator, and executive leader continues to shape his vision for advancing Golden Lion Athletics and creating opportunities for future generations of student athletes.
