Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-21

HONORING ASHLEY ROBINSON

Context

On 2026-05-21, Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING ASHLEY ROBINSON" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E481] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ASHLEY ROBINSON ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Thursday, May 21, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ashley Robinson and his lasting impact on collegiate education and athletics. Mr. Robinson currently serves as Vice President and Director of Athletics at Jackson State University. I honor his exceptional vision, unwavering commitment, and dedication to advancing athletic excellence at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His leadership continues to elevate both athletic performance and the overall student- athlete experience. A native of Bolton and Jackson, Mississippi, Mr. Robinson's journey began at Murrah High School, where he was a standout point guard and a member of a championship basketball team. He continued his academic and athletic career at Mississippi Valley State University, where he was a four-year letterman in basketball, became the program's all-time leader in assists, and earned honors as Athlete of the Year and President's Scholar-Athlete. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Robinson has received numerous accolades, including HBCU Athletic Director of the Year, Black Student-Athlete Summit Athletic Director of the Year, and recognition from the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. In addition, Mr. Robinson will be enshrined in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame Class of 2025, further cementing his legacy of excellence in collegiate athletics. Under his leadership, Jackson State (JSU) has experienced remarkable success, including more than 20 championships and the prestigious C.D. Henry Award for the top men's athletic program in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. His tenure has been defined by strategic growth, facility improvements, and a commitment to building a culture of excellence that has elevated the university's national profile. Prior to his tenure at JSU, Mr. Robinson served in key leadership roles at Delaware State University, Prairie View A&M University, and Mississippi Valley State University, as well as in the Southwestern Athletic Conference office. These experiences helped shape the visionary leadership he continues to demonstrate today. During his time at JSU, Mr. Robinson has made impactful leadership decisions, including the hiring of notable figures such as Deion Sanders, Mo Williams, and Coach T.C. Taylor, further strengthening the university's athletic prominence and visibility. A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Mr. Robinson attributes his success to the people he surrounds himself with, emphasizing teamwork, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to the success of student-athletes. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Ashley Robinson, whose leadership, vision, and dedication have brought honor not only to Jackson State University, but to the State of Mississippi and the Nation. ____________________

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HONORING ASHLEY ROBINSON Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E481] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ASHLEY ROBINSON ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Thursday, May 21, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ashley Robinson and his lasting impact on collegiate education and athletics. Mr. Robinson currently serves as Vice President and Director of Athletics at Jackson State University. I honor his exceptional vision, unwavering commitment, and dedication to advancing athletic excellence at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His leadership continues to elevate both athletic performance and the overall student- athlete experience. A native of Bolton and Jackson, Mississippi, Mr. Robinson's journey began at Murrah High School, where he was a standout point guard and a member of a championship basketball team. He continued his academic and athletic career at Mississippi Valley State University, where he was a four-year letterman in basketball, became the program's all-time leader in assists, and earned honors as Athlete of the Year and President's Scholar-Athlete. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Robinson has received numerous accolades, including HBCU Athletic Director of the Year, Black Student-Athlete Summit Athletic Director of the Year, and recognition from the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. In addition, Mr. Robinson will be enshrined in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame Class of 2025, further cementing his legacy of excellence in collegiate athletics. Under his leadership, Jackson State (JSU) has experienced remarkable success, including more than 20 championships and the prestigious C.D. Henry Award for the top men's athletic program in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. His tenure has been defined by strategic growth, facility improvements, and a commitment to building a culture of excellence that has elevated the university's national profile. Prior to his tenure at JSU, Mr. Robinson served in key leadership roles at Delaware State University, Prairie View A&M University, and Mississippi Valley State University, as well as in the Southwestern Athletic Conference office. These experiences helped shape the visionary leadership he continues to demonstrate today. During his time at JSU, Mr. Robinson has made impactful leadership decisions, including the hiring of notable figures such as Deion Sanders, Mo Williams, and Coach T.C. Taylor, further strengthening the university's athletic prominence and visibility. A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Mr. Robinson attributes his success to the people he surrounds himself with, emphasizing teamwork, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to the success of student-athletes. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Ashley Robinson, whose leadership, vision, and dedication have brought honor not only to Jackson State University, but to the State of Mississippi and the Nation. ____________________