PSC dedication honors the service and generosity of Jill and Grover Robinson IV

Jill and Grover C. Robinson IV humbly received recognition for their years of service and philanthropic support of Pensacola State College during a dedication ceremony held Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the G. Thomas Delaino Student Center on the Pensacola campus. The Jill and Grover C. Robinson, IV Student Leadership & Activities Office was officially named in their honor and in celebration of a recent gift to the Pensacola State College Foundation that will support a new student needs fund utilized by the Pirates CARE Student Resource Center.

The Pirates CARE Student Resource Center serves as a one-stop resource for students facing challenges beyond academics. The center provides emergency aid, food resources, career clothing and connections to community resources, helping students stay enrolled at the college.

Over the 2025-26 academic year, Pirates CARE distributed 1,200 bags of food in partnership with Manna Food Pantries. Additionally, students received 3,000 basic hygiene kits and donated attire to prepare them for job interviews. Students were also supported through financial coaching and housing and transportation assistance.

“We’re all about connecting with students at their time of need and learning how we can make a difference,” said PSC Dean of Students Lynsey Listau. “When their basic needs are met, students are better able to focus on their studies and more likely to be successful in school, their careers and their lives. This gift will be the catalyst for new ways to help students through the Pirates CARE program.”

The newly dedicated Student Leadership & Activities Office also includes a student lounge, a family-friendly study area and computers that enable students to complete coursework.

“I couldn’t think of a better place for us to invest in people,” said Grover Robinson, who serves as the college’s associate vice president of government and community relations. “What you learn in college is not just about the classes. It’s about learning leadership skills, building relationships and discovering opportunities to serve.”

“I had an opportunity in college to learn a lot about leadership that I was able to apply in this community over 16 years in public service. I want students at this college to have those same opportunities so they can be our future county commissioners and the future mayors of Milton, Gulf Breeze and Pensacola. I hope our students take advantage of those opportunities and do great things for this community, continuing to make Northwest Florida an incredible place to live.”

“Grover has been involved with Pensacola State College, through giving, board leadership and now as an employee, for over a quarter-century,” said PSC President Ed Meadows, noting that Robinson was serving as president of the PSC Foundation Board of Governors when Meadows joined the college in 2008.
Over those years, the Robinsons contributed more than $270,000 to support PSC programs and students, and they have consistently trusted the college to direct their gifts where most needed.

“Grover and Jill never seek recognition; however, they have been so giving over many years and are very deserving of this lasting tribute,” said PSC Executive Director of Institutional Development Andrea Krieger. “Their giving is never about themselves or anything that they want but whatever the college needs the most. Their generosity is real. They do so much in the background.”

Their ongoing support of the Robinson Honors Program has created a unique learning experience, including field trips and travel abroad, designed for academically gifted students.

“Jill and Grover made their first gift to the college in 2000, establishing the Sandra and Grover Robinson III Honors Program in memory of his parents, who were supporters of the college,” said Krieger. “The Robinson Honors Program has made an impact at the college for generations now. I believe the study abroad opportunity alone — the travel and exposure to different cultures — makes an impact on families, a generational impact.”

PSC Professor Amber Carey, director of the Robinson Honors Program, agrees that the Robinsons are changing lives in ways that go beyond the classroom. “Because of their generosity, students can embrace educational opportunities they never imagined possible and gain experiences that mold them into leaders on campus and in our community,” she said.

“Our Robinson Scholars have gone on to present their research at Johns Hopkins University, become pilots and engineers, earn their Ph.D.s, attend medical school, and give back to this very community — all because of the generosity of one family. Their impact on our community will be felt for generations to come, and we are deeply grateful for their kindness and unwavering support.”

Grover Robinson served 23 years on the PSC Foundation Board of Governors, including two years as board president from 2008 to 2010. Today, he continues to advocate for the college through his work with state leaders and legislators.

“Grover spends thousands of hours at the state legislature, advocating for Pensacola State College. I appreciate the work he does on behalf of the college, not only through his volunteer leadership and his and Jill’s philanthropy over the years, but as an impactful associate vice president of government and community relations today,” said Meadows.

Following the dedication ceremony, the Robinsons were joined by friends and colleagues for a tour of the Student Leadership & Activities Office named in their honor.

“There’s still so much need,” said Jennifer Del Gallo, president of the PSC Foundation Board of Governors. “Many students need help with things others take for granted, such as books or an interview outfit. So, it’s important to celebrate people like the Robinsons, who give so much to help these students reach their goals.”

Reflecting on his years of involvement with PSC, Robinson said the college’s impact on students and the community continues to inspire him.

“At Pensacola State, we make a difference in people’s lives every day,” he said. “We make a huge difference in this community. What happens at this institution and in this community is what excites me about coming to work every day, and it is a privilege to be a part of this place of learning.”

The Jill and Grover C. Robinson, IV Student Leadership & Activities Office and Pirates CARE Student Resource Center are located on the Pensacola campus in Building 5. Satellite locations are also available at the Warrington, Milton and Century campuses. For more information, call (850) 484-1759 or email piratesCARE@pensacolastate.edu.