Russell D. Robinson
Hall of Fame Class of 1998
Inspired leadership and committed public service characterize the career of Russell D. Robinson, Professor Emeritus of the University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee. Throughout his professional life he has been a practitioner as well as a professor of adult education. He initiated the graduate program in adult education at Wisconsin’s Department of Administrative Leadership and then headed the program for more than 30 years. Since his retirement in 1994, he has continued to teach graduate courses, conduct workshops, organize conferences, and serve on community boards.
Dr. Robinson has served as Chair of the planning committee for the national Adult Education Conference of the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education, President of the Wisconsin Association of Adult and Continuing Education, Chair of the Wisconsin Adult Educator Lyceum, President of the Milwaukee Council for Adult Learning, Secretary- Treasurer of the National Commission of Professors of Adult Education, and in the Adult Education Association of the USA a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of its Council of Affiliate Organizations and Commission on Research in Adult Education.
His book, An Introduction to Helping Adults Learn and Change, has been adopted by more than 30 universities and colleges, both in the U.S. and in Canada, and is widely used by business and agency trainers. His more recent An Introduction to Dynamics of Group Leadership and Organizational Change has been similarly well received.
Long involved in public and civic issues, Dr. Robinson developed and directed Project Understanding. This outstanding program of civic adult education, sponsored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews and other groups, was aimed at reducing prejudice and encouraging action on social issues.
His professional and civic awards and recognitions include a leadership recognition plaque from the American Adult and Continuing Education Association, Adult Educator of the Year Leadership Award and President’s Award from the Wisconsin Association for Adult and Continuing Education, and Distinguished Service Award and Achievement Award from the Milwaukee Council for Adult Learning.