African Americans continue to break down barriers and are getting chances to lead powerful groups. Jackson State Athletics Director Ashley Robinson is getting his chance to leave his mark in the world of sports.In a historic move Robinson has been named president of the FCS Athletics Directors Association. He is the first African American to have this role.The FCS ADA is a part of the National Association of College Directors of Athletics which was established in 1965. This is a large group made up of thousands of athletic directors and administrators from all Division levels in North AmericaRobinson, a Murrah grad, is proud to step into his new role.”It really means a lot. You know coming from Jackson, Mississippi-raised in Jackson. You know Boyd Elementary, Chastain Middle School, Murrah High School and now here back home at Jackson State University to represent your institution at home that you grew up around-it’s a big accomplishment,” Robinson said. “I’m very proud to be able to serve on as the new president but very proud to be able to serve as the athletics director at Jackson State University.”Robinson has been in the organization for the last few years and admits that he was often the only black man in the room but was able to work his way through the organization.Robinson will oversee over 100 FCS programs and as president he has already appointed Alcorn State Athletics Director Derek Horne to take his place as the SWAC representative in the FCS ADA.With the change happening in America Robinson says this accomplishment is right on time.”A great accomplishment not only for me but for Jackson State University, for the city of Jackson and definitely in the times we’re going through right now I think this is something great and it couldn’t come at better time,” Robinson said. He also added,”now we have a voice that not only supports all FCS institutions but we have voice to represent our HBCUs.”The president will oversee the executive committee of the FCS ADA for one year so there’s not a lot of time make things happen but he has big goals in mind. Initially they will go over the NCAA regulations for COVID-19 and propose any adjustments that will benefit FCS institutions. Robinson also talked about adding the Celebration Bowl teams to the FCS playoffs. Alcorn State and the winner of the Celebration Bowl, North Carolina A&T did not play in the FCS playoffs last year. But the Aggies did play in the playoffs in 2016. That same year Grambling State defeated North Carolina Central 10-9 in the second Celebration Bowl but neither team went to the FCS postseason. That’s something Robinson will like to see changed if possible during his tenure as well as creating for academic scholarships and opportunities for student athletes to have roles in the FCS.
African Americans continue to break down barriers and are getting chances to lead powerful groups. Jackson State Athletics Director Ashley Robinson is getting his chance to leave his mark in the world of sports.
In a historic move Robinson has been named president of the FCS Athletics Directors Association. He is the first African American to have this role.
The FCS ADA is a part of the National Association of College Directors of Athletics which was established in 1965. This is a large group made up of thousands of athletic directors and administrators from all Division levels in North America
Robinson, a Murrah grad, is proud to step into his new role.
“It really means a lot. You know coming from Jackson, Mississippi-raised in Jackson. You know Boyd Elementary, Chastain Middle School, Murrah High School and now here back home at Jackson State University to represent your institution at home that you grew up around-it’s a big accomplishment,” Robinson said. “I’m very proud to be able to serve on as the new president but very proud to be able to serve as the athletics director at Jackson State University.”
Robinson has been in the organization for the last few years and admits that he was often the only black man in the room but was able to work his way through the organization.
Robinson will oversee over 100 FCS programs and as president he has already appointed Alcorn State Athletics Director Derek Horne to take his place as the SWAC representative in the FCS ADA.
With the change happening in America Robinson says this accomplishment is right on time.
“A great accomplishment not only for me but for Jackson State University, for the city of Jackson and definitely in the times we’re going through right now I think this is something great and it couldn’t come at better time,” Robinson said. He also added,”now we have a voice that not only supports all FCS institutions but we have voice to represent our HBCUs.”
The president will oversee the executive committee of the FCS ADA for one year so there’s not a lot of time make things happen but he has big goals in mind.
Initially they will go over the NCAA regulations for COVID-19 and propose any adjustments that will benefit FCS institutions.
Robinson also talked about adding the Celebration Bowl teams to the FCS playoffs. Alcorn State and the winner of the Celebration Bowl, North Carolina A&T did not play in the FCS playoffs last year. But the Aggies did play in the playoffs in 2016. That same year Grambling State defeated North Carolina Central 10-9 in the second Celebration Bowl but neither team went to the FCS postseason. That’s something Robinson will like to see changed if possible during his tenure as well as creating for academic scholarships and opportunities for student athletes to have roles in the FCS.
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