SC State honors legacy of Dr. Jade Jihan Robinson with endowed fund supporting future health and physical education leaders
The endowed fund, totaling $101,500, will provide ongoing support for active members
of the Health and Physical Education Society, an organization Robinson sponsored and
led with passion.
To strengthen its long-term impact, Title III funds were used to match the donor’s contribution, effectively doubling the endowment’s value and ensuring continued support for student engagement, professional development, and leadership opportunities.
“Dr. Robinson represented the very best of SC State — strength, service, and the unwavering commitment to lift others,” President Alexander Conyers said. “This endowment captures the Power of SC State by transforming one family’s generosity into lasting support for our students. It ensures that Dr. Robinson’s light continues to shine in the lives of every Bulldog who follows her path.”
The announcement and naming of the newly endowed Society took place during the SC State vs. Morgan State football game on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, before a stadium filled with Bulldog fans, alumni, and supporters.
“Dr. Robinson embodied Bulldog Tenacity in every sense,” said Dr. John Michael Lee, Jr., vice president for university advancement. “Her passion for teaching, her compassion for students, and her leadership within the Health and Physical Education Society left an indelible mark on this university.
“Through this endowed fund — and with the support of Title III — her spirit of service, excellence, and mentorship will live on for generations,” Lee said.
Robinson was known for her infectious enthusiasm and commitment to student success. She transferred the same drive that once defined her basketball career into her teaching, inspiring her students to achieve excellence both in and out of the classroom.
As sponsor of the Health and Physical Education Society, Robinson expanded membership to more than 40 students, leading initiatives that promoted professional growth, service, and wellness. Under her guidance, the Society participated in programs such as Trunk or Treat and Adopt-a-Highway, and organized creative fundraisers — including a campus pajama party — to help students attend statewide conferences in Myrtle Beach.
“Dr. Robinson’s work as an educator and mentor exemplified SC State’s mission to prepare leaders who serve their communities with integrity and purpose,” said Dr. Frederick Evans, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Her influence extended beyond the classroom — she empowered her students to lead, to dream, and to make a difference.”
Dr. Jade Jihan Robinson (Sept. 12, 1986 – Feb. 13, 2025) joined the SC State faculty in August 2018 as an instructor in the Department of Health Science within the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. She completed her Doctorate in Education, specializing in sport and athletic management from Northcentral University in Los Angeles, California, in 2023, and was promoted to assistant professor in 2024.
“As dean, I had the honor of witnessing Dr. Robinson’s profound impact on both her students and colleagues,” said Dr. Lakeisa Tucker, dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, which houses the newly named Society. “She was a dynamic educator whose energy inspired excellence. The establishment of this endowment ensures that her legacy of learning and leadership will continue to elevate our students for years to come.”
Beyond the campus, Dr. Robinson was a transformative figure in the Orangeburg community. She became the first female coach in city-league history to post an 8-0 season, earning the title of Coach of the Year. In 2017, she founded Garden City Elite (GCE), an AAU basketball organization for middle- and high-school athletes that has since won more than 80 tournaments and three national championships. Through GCE, she emphasized leadership, discipline, and sportsmanship — helping young people discover their fullest potential.
Her accomplishments were recognized across the state. Robinson was honored as a 2023 Orangeburg County Juneteenth 40 Under 40 recipient for her contributions to youth development and entrepreneurship. She was also a proud member of the Orangeburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., initiated in Fall 2020.
About The Power of SC State
The Power of SC State: A Capital Campaign to Elevate Excellence is South Carolina State University’s first comprehensive campaign dedicated to strengthening academic excellence, student success, and institutional sustainability. Through investments in scholarships, infrastructure, research, and innovation, the campaign celebrates Bulldog Tenacity and ensures that the University’s 130-year legacy of excellence continues to transform lives across South Carolina and beyond.
For more information or to contribute to the Dr. Jade Jihan Robinson Health and Physical Education Society Endowment, visit www.scsu.edu/give or contact the Office of University Advancement at 803-536-8742 or development@scsu.edu.