Former Mershon Director James A. Robinson has passed on May 7, 2018 at the age of 85.  

He is survived by his daughter, Adelaide Robinson McCulloch (Jeffrey), and his son, Luke Robinson (Rica Kimball). Robinson served as director of the Mershon Center for International Security Studies and later vice president for academic affairs at the Ohio State University; president of Macalester College; and president of the University of West Florida.

The first child in his family to attend college, thanks to a scholarship from the American Legion, Robinson was passionate about equal access to quality higher education for all people.

Donations in his honor may be made to UWF Foundation, 11000 University Parkway Bldg. 12, Pensacola, FL 32514-5750, or by visiting https://uwf.edu/offices/foundation/.