by Pam Fronko
After increasing Foundation assets nearly tenfold,
Jim Robinson
says it's time for new leadership.
WVU Foundation President James A. Robinson has announced his retirement effective December 31, 1998, ending a reign that began in April 1984.
"The Foundation is preparing to map fund-raising
strategies to move into the 21st century," said Robinson,
"and I don't think it is appropriate for someone else to
come in and inherit Jim Robinson's plans. I believe those plans
should be created by the president who will lead the Foundation
into that era. One project under consideration currently will
last five or six years. At this point in my life that would entail
a longer time commitment than I am willing to make."
During his 14-year tenure, Robinson has directed efforts that have increased the Foundation's assets from $32 million to $290 million. When he arrived, the Foundation was receiving an average of $6 million a year in gifts in support of the University. During fiscal year 1997 the Foundation received $26 million, and nearly $20 million was received during the first eight months of fiscal year 1998, setting a new record.
"The time to go is while your stock is still high," Robinson added. "I also strongly believe that an organization can benefit from a change of leadership to give it new ideas, new energy, and new directions."
Disbursement of funds to the University also has grown from $8 million to $20 million annually. Through Robinson's efforts scholarship and academic support have increased dramatically. The number of scholarship funds has grown from 70 to 710 including endowed scholarships which have gone from 54 to 598. The academic program has seen increases in endowed academic chairs from three to 19, and endowed professorships and lectureships from four to 30 and six to 31, respectively.
Robinson says he credits the staff he assembled and the Board of Directors for the increases.
"By any measure Jim Robinson has been an outstanding president, loyal to the Foundation, to the University, and to the state," said C. Howard Hardesty, Jr., chairman of the Foundation Board of Directors.
"He has worked in close harmony with the University administration, recruited and developed a strong staff, run a tight ship in terms of expenses and adherence to fund management, and structured good Foundation board committees that are attentive to the challenges ahead. And he has done this through quiet leadership, maintaining a low profile, and giving credit to others.
"Anyone who can come into an organization and in 14 years take its assets from $32 million to more than $290 million is a remarkable leader. I truly hope that he will continue in retirement to work with the Foundation."
WVU President David C. Hardesty, Jr., said, "The University has been extremely fortunate that the most productive years of this exceptional executive were devoted to supporting our faculty, staff, and students. Jim has truly made his mark on WVU. His talents range from fund-raising and resource development to sound administration and stewardship."
A national search is being conducted to secure Robinson's replacement.
Robinson has spent a major part of his career in higher education fund-raising, including Simpson College and the Universities of Miami and Nebraska. He said he intends to help his successor in all ways possible and to otherwise stay involved with the Foundation in some capacity for awhile.
"There is something about the West Virginia environment that gets into your blood," said the Iowa native. "I have been here long enough that I consider myself a West Virginian; transplanted, but nevertheless a West Virginian."