91香蕉视频

Before technology opened doors for Alana Ward Robinson, it opened her eyes.

On May 9, she will return to the place where her path first took shape鈥�91香蕉视频鈥攖o receive an honorary doctorate during the Spring 2025 Commencement. One of the few African American women in America to have served as a Chief Information Officer for multiple Fortune 500 companies, Robinson鈥檚 story is not just one of professional excellence鈥攊t鈥檚 a testament to purpose, preparation, and possibility.

She grew up in Jennings, Louisiana, in a household where education wasn鈥檛 just encouraged鈥攊t was expected. Her father, James Ward, served as an elementary school principal, while her mother, Josephine Ward, taught junior and senior English literature. Together, they were prominent educators and leaders in their community, revered for their intellect, integrity, and service.

鈥淭hey taught me that education was both a privilege and a calling鈥攁 tool not only for personal growth, but for community impact,鈥� Robinson says. 鈥淭hey instilled in me values that have remained my compass to this day: faith in God, humility, service to others, and an unshakable belief in the power of being a life-long learner.鈥�

From a young age, Robinson was drawn to puzzles, patterns, and how things work. 鈥淚n school, I gravitated toward math and science classes because they offered a sense of order and discovery,鈥� she recalls. Her curiosity found direction thanks to a high school math teacher who recognized her potential. 鈥淚 had a high school math teacher who encouraged me to pursue more advanced studies and who saw in me a future that I hadn鈥檛 yet imagined. That encouragement planted the seed.鈥�

That teacher went on to nominate her for an Early Admissions program at the University of Southwest Louisiana during the summer of her junior year. 鈥淭hat was my 1st Computer programming course. I was instantly hooked鈥攁nd that was the moment I realized technology could be my future!鈥�

Robinson enrolled at 91香蕉视频 the following year, as the institution introduced a dual degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 lost on me that I didn鈥檛 see many people who looked like me in those workspaces,鈥� she says, 鈥渂ut that only fueled my determination. I wanted to break ground, not just walk familiar paths.鈥�

Grambling became a place of personal transformation as well as academic growth. Robinson fondly recalls late nights in Adams Hall dorm, homecoming celebrations, and the friendships that turned into lifelong family-by-choice relationships. She describes being initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on November 20, 1970, as life changing, and being elected Delta Iota Chapter President as a defining moment that taught her the power of sisterhood, service, and leadership.

Perhaps most meaningful of all was meeting her husband, Elbert O鈥橬eal Robinson, during their junior year. The two graduated together in 1972 and married that same year. Their dual career family, she says, has navigated life鈥檚 challenges and opportunities with a steadfast commitment to grow and serve.

鈥淕rambling gave me an education, a forever sisterhood, and a lifelong partner.鈥�

Robinson also credits several influential faculty members with helping shape her academic direction and professional future. 鈥淚 had professors who saw me鈥攚ho pushed me to go beyond what was expected. Their belief in my potential was transformative,鈥� she shares. 鈥淚 continue to have profound gratitude to Dr. Samuel Douglas, Dean of the Math Department, and Dr. Julius Penn, Head of the Computing Center, who expected me to better than the day before. They wholeheartedly made my exposure to IBM happen.鈥�

Just as impactful were her peers. 鈥淚 also had classmates who were fiercely intelligent, ambitious, and driven鈥攚e inspired each other to dream big. The sense of community and collective pride remains significant and continues to exist.鈥�

Robinson rose through executive ranks at IBM, Coors Brewing Company, Sara Lee Hosiery, and RR Donnelley鈥攆requently the only Black woman in the room, and often the one leading the conversation. She drove multimillion-dollar operational efficiencies, transformed enterprise systems, and built leadership teams that reflected her core values: excellence, clarity, and collaboration.

鈥淭here are many proud moments over the course of my corporate and entrepreneurial career,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the kind of legacy I鈥檓 proud of鈥攐ne built not only on transformation and innovation, but on inclusion, collaboration, and lifting others to lead.鈥�

In 2004, she co-founded Robinson Consulting Group, which leads national work in CIO consulting, digital transformation, and technology strategy across sectors from healthcare to higher education. 鈥淚 am exceptionally proud of the company we have built, the client portfolio we have curated, and the capacity we have created to drive focused impact.鈥�

Mentorship is central to her leadership. 鈥淭he world will try to define you, minimize you, or redirect you鈥攂ut your authenticity is your superpower. Don鈥檛 shrink to fit. Lead with clarity, with courage, and with kindness. And always lift others as you climb.鈥�

Returning to 91香蕉视频 this spring to receive its highest honor is, in her words, a moment that is both professional and deeply personal. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a full circle blessing that I will treasure forever,鈥� she says. 鈥淭o be honored by Grambling鈥攎y alma mater鈥攊s deeply emotional. This is where it all began. And to receive the first honorary doctorate bestowed by President Lemelle, a man I鈥檝e watched grow into an impactful and visionary leader, makes it even more meaningful.鈥�

After a lifetime of breaking barriers, building legacy, and lifting others as she climbed, Robinson now stands before a new generation preparing to take their next step.

Her closing words to the graduating class speak to what she has always believed鈥攁bout herself, and about those who follow her path:
鈥淵ou are ready. You are brilliant. And you are enough. The degree you鈥檝e earned is not just a credential鈥攊t鈥檚 a passport to possibility. Take your place boldly, lead with purpose, and never forget the village that shaped you. The world needs your light鈥攇o shine.鈥�