Steve L. Robinson

Current job and location:

District Athletic Director — Charlotte, North Carolina

Can you tell us the basics of what your job entails?

I am district athletic director for the 16th-largest school district in the nation. I oversee and work with athletic directors for 21 high school athletic programs and 47 middle school athletic programs.

I also coordinate graduation for 33 high schools across Charlotte Mecklenburg, while overseeing the district's drivers education program.

As of March 28, 2025, I am president of the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association. The North Carolina Athletic Directors Association (NCADA) is made up of secondary athletic directors from across the state of North Carolina. Through the NCADA, I was nominated to represent the state of North Carolina and Section 3 of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrator Association (NIAA).

Tell us about your recent national award nomination.

The Bruce D. Whitehead Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to individuals from within the NIAAA membership in recognition of their length of service, special accomplishments and contributions to interscholastic athletics at the local, state and national levels. Nominations are submitted by state athletic director associations, screened by the NIAAA Awards Committee, and selected by the NIAAA Board of Directors.

I am humbled by the nomination to represent the state of North Carolina and Section 3, which comprises seven other southern states. This nomination comes from peers whom you know and do not know, and they are able to speak to the body of work and leadership.

Can you tell us a little about your career background?

It's been diverse and has brought me to the profession I truly love now. I'm an entrepreneur at heart, and obtaining my master's degree from Marshall and God's favor continues to open doors. I worked in the mental health field and became a foster parent for a short time. Over the years, I transitioned into opening my own commercial cleaning company, which strengthened my business acumen and leadership skills.

In addition to my entrepreneurial ventures, I am also an empowerment speaker and author of the book "Prayer, Patience, Progress." This work reflects my commitment to personal growth and motivation.

How did your time at Marshall help prepare you?

Building lifelong relationships with everyone from the student life, professors, custodial staff and resident advisors — everything about campus life helped build who I am now. People cared about each other. I love that Marshall chose me. I still have the acceptance letter somewhere. I had friends from my hometown, Oak Hill, who were already here and just helped pave the way, the Huntington community, the Nu Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, lifelong friends who have become family, and the alumni. The list goes on.

Favorite experiences as a Marshall student?

Hanging out on the tables in front of Holderby Hall, all sporting events, step shows and working for Professor Phil Carter (gaining knowledge and wisdom). One of my favorite professors was my communications teacher, Camila Brammer.

Can you talk about your involvement with Marshall Alumni?

I just became the president of the Charlotte Area chapter, and we are excited and looking forward to doing impactful things to promote our beloved university. Matt James and Walker Tatum came down to Charlotte and met with us, and the energy and commitment they bring is something that we can all apply to whatever we do. I am grateful for those guys.

Can you tell us what you're passionate about? Why do you love it, why is it important, and what should people know about it that they might not realize?

My "why" is formed from my mother, Jean, who is also a Marshall alum. When I was young, I used to ask Mom why she always helps people, and she said, "Son, I help others so that one day, someone can help you, teach you or guide you if I am not there."

I am passionate about helping others be their best, counseling others, even just being a good person to someone else. I love to see others grow and overcome different obstacles in life. I strive to be a laborer across someone else's path, to help them so that one day someone can help my daughter or my two granddaughters and my son, should I not be there.

What have you learned through your career and life experiences that is worth passing on?

Time and peace are my two greatest gifts. You cannot get them back, so set boundaries on them and do not negotiate them. What you do with your time and peace will tell you who you are