Sept. 25, 2007

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AMARILLO – Dr. Bob Robinson may be retired from his position with Texas Cooperative Extension, but he's not through collecting honors for the work he did during his 37 years within the agency.

Epsilon Sigma Phi, the national Extension professional organization, recently recognized Robinson as its Southern Region Visionary Leadership Award winner during its convention in Charleston, S.C.

"From the time Bob began his career, he has been about five steps in front of everyone else," said Dr. Billy Warrick, president of Texas Epsilon Sigma Phi Chapter, in making the nomination for the national award.

"He was instrumental in developing the AgriPartners program in the South Plains and then starting up an improved program on the High Plains," Warrick said. "His ability to build functional teams has strengthened Extension and benefitted the people of Texas. His advice is sought after by local, regional and state leaders. He is very deserving of this recognition."

Robinson retired as Extension's regional program director for agriculture and natural resources in the North Region on Aug. 31.

He began his Extension career in 1970 as the assistant agriculture agent in Potter County, served as Randall County agriculture agent from 1976 to 1985, and was district director for agricultural programs in the South Plains during the next 10 years.

In 1995, he took the district director position in the Panhandle region and became the regional program director in 2003. He also has served as a professor of animal science at West Texas A&M University since 1998.

A native of Happy, Robinson earned a doctorate from Texas Tech University, a master's degree from Texas A&M University and a bachelor's degree from West Texas A&M University, all in animal science.

He was presented the Regents Fellow designation by the Texas A&M University Board of Regents in 2006.

Robinson has been honored for his leadership in the Texas AgriPartners Program, which supplies research to farms in the Panhandle and South Plains. He also has been recognized for his advocacy and commitment to volunteer development by the Texas 4-H Volunteer Leader's Association.

Robinson received the State Award for Visionary Leadership from the National Honorary Extension Fraternity; three Texas A&M University System Vice Chancellor's Award in Excellence; and six Extension Superior Service Awards.

He received the Texas Tech University Distinguished Alumni award, Graduate of Distinction award and was named to the Texas Tech Animal Science Hall of Fame.

Robinson also has been honored with the Texas Pork Producer's Order of the Golden Pig award; two Epsilon Sigma Phi State Team Awards; West Texas A&M University Distinguished Alumni; two USDA Technology Transfer Awards; the Professional Agriculture Workers of Texas Extension Leadership Award and the Texas Governor's Award in Environmental Excellence.