As part of a series that aims to be a forum for UH leaders to share their stories with students, the assistant vice president for Student Affairs – Health and Wellness spoke Wednesday of the trials he faced and how he over came them in order to inspire students.
During the Catalyst Leadership Luncheon, created by the Center for Student Involvement, Floyd Robinson took students throughout his personal experience growing up as a mixed-race child in the 1960s and how he chose to turn the difficult barriers imposed on him into motivation for success.
“People are not born with passions,” Robinson said. “Passions brew when people say ‘No’ to you.”
Robinson came to UH seeking change and the opportunity to do what he loves: helping people by being a leader and an agent for change.
Robinson has been with UH for nearly two decades after spending 13 years in administrative positions at the Texas Medical Center.
“My passion is people,” Robinson said. “Especially those most people don’t pay attention to.”
Robinson’s past experiences have taught him that people with great potential are often discouraged, which has motivated him to dedicate his life to helping others.
He explained how those who have walls put up against them have to be better than everyone else to earn notice and respect.
“It’s not what you do or who you are,” Robinson said. “It’s what you look like. If you don’t look like everyone else, you have to constantly fight to prove yourself.”
The series offers a monthly leadership luncheon available to all UH students and is committed to connect students with campus and community leaders, students, faculty, staff and alumni to broaden networking potential. It also aims to provide formal and informal dialogue for students looking to gain knowledge in how to promote positive change and become a leader.
Robert Melvin, a student staff training graduate and organizer of the event, said the goal of these events is to motivate and inspire students through the example of those who have achieved success.
“There are a lot of things that students don’t learn in the classroom,” Melvin said.
Free lunch was provided for those who made an RSVP to encourage students to attend and to create a relaxed environment where students and those involved could interact.
