Gerald Burns Robins

Dr. Gerald B. “Gerry” Robins of Kingsville, Texas, a former President of Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University- Kingsville), passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 in a Corpus Christi hospital.

Gerry was born in Salem, Arkansas on January 24, 1924 to the late Lucille Burns Robins and Gerald A. Robins of Little Rock, Arkansas.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Fay Kennan Robins, children, Gerald K. Robins of Corpus Christi, Texas and James D. Robins of Kingsville, Texas, and his brother, Richard A. Robins and his wife Betty Robins, of North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Gerry began his studies at Little Rock Junior College on a Donaghey Scholarship. He was employed by Western Electric Company as an installer of electrical communications equipment.

After World War II began, he was drafted into Army Anti-Aircraft Artillery. He attended OCS, graduating as Second Lt. He transferred to Army Air Corps and studied at Navigation School in San Marcos, Texas. He served as a combat Navigator on a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber in Europe. He was awarded the Air Medal, among other decorations, remained in the active reserves, and retired as a Lt. Colonel.

After the war, he returned to finish his college studies at Little Rock Junior College and at the University of Arkansas, receiving bachelors and masters degrees with honors. He earned his doctorate from the University of Georgia. After serving as a professor there, he accepted the opportunity to be president of Augusta College in Augusta, Georgia where he served in that position for 13 years. He then returned to the University of Georgia as a professor at the Institute of Higher Education.

In 1973, he became president of Texas A&I University (now known as Texas A&M University-Kingsville). During his tenure, the university expanded, and a more aggressive athletic program with the Texas A&I Javelina football team led to three NAIA National Championships. During those years, he was honored to serve a term as Lone Star Conference President.

In community affairs, he served Rotary for 62 years in these responsibilities: Local Club President (Augusta, Georgia) District Governor for South Texas, Rotary International Representative District Delegate to the Rotary International Council on Legislation (2 terms), Instructor in President-Elect Training Seminars for 10 years, International Institute instructor, 8 Paul Harris Fellows and other duties and positions.

He was an active member of the United Methodist congregations in Arkansas, Georgia and Texas, serving as a Sunday school teacher and in various committees and leadership positions, including the Campus Ministry Board.

A memorial for Gerry Robins will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Kingsville, Texas on December 4, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., with a reception following.

Interment at the Chamberlain Cemetery was a private service for the immediate family.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 120 N. 4th Street, Kingsville, Texas 78363 or to the Kingsville Rotary Club, P.O. Box 1738, Kingsville, Texas 78364.