Whether a student has been here for a week or six years, it is very likely they have met Don Robertson.  

With a lifelong career in higher education, Robertson, the vice president of student affairs, has made a career of supporting students. 

Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, he earned his undergraduate degree in business from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill master’s from the University of Knoxville in college student personnel and counseling; and doctorate in education administration and management from West Virginia University.

Robertson said his college experience led him to a career in higher education.

“That’s what stimulated me to look at working on a college campus with an ultimate goal of being a Vice President of Student Affairs, so I’ve worked at a number of different places,” Robertson said. 

Before coming to Murray State, Robertson held several positions across the southeast. 

“I worked at Georgia Southwestern College, now Georgia Southwestern University, in student activities… It was a great experience because I learned a lot of different things,” Robertson said. “I also went to [the] University of Tennessee and [worked in] financial aid, and thought I would specialize in financial aid.”

After leaving UT Knoxville, Robertson joined the staff at Marshall University as the director of student activities. 

Robertson said his positions at Marshall helped prepare him for his current position at Murray. Robertson started as a director of residence life before becoming the dean of students and residence life and, ultimately, the associate dean of student affairs. 

During 1991, Murray State alumnus, Pat Brown, encouraged Robertson to apply for the vice president of student affairs position at Murray State. 

“I had never been to Kentucky, but Pat [Brown] said, ‘This is a job I think you should apply for,’ and so with his recommendation I did,” Robertson said. “I found Murray State to be very similar to Marshall… and I just felt it was a good fit.”

As the vice president of student affairs, no day looks the same. 

“I usually try to get here between 6 and 6:30 a.m. to get a lot of stuff done, and I will typically have a number of meetings during the day, either with staff, students or with other groups,” Robertson said. “I try to get out on campus every day to see the students, and when I’m teaching, I always tie that into the day. It’s just a combination of meetings and having time to do other administrative stuff.”

When looking back on his career and other universities he’s worked at, Robertson said Murray State is not only the student centered, but community centered. 

“There truly is this family feeling here, and it really is a strong community,” Robertson said. “It’s just a really supportive environment for students. It’s a caring place, so I think it just has all the right elements. When students come here to visit, that typically seals the deal. They really get the sense that they are welcome.”

Robertson is known for attending student events and simply walking around campus to talk to students. He said he has always made that a priority. 

“It’s important to be where the students are at,” Robertson said. “I particularly like events on campus, including student recitals and art exhibits. My challenge is to stay in the office to get the paperwork done because I’d much rather be out on campus, going out to attend events and programs.”

Hayden Smee, a Murray State graduate, said his interactions with Robertson positively impacted his time at the University. 

“As a student, and even now as an alum, I could count on Dr. R for constant motivation, kindness, encouragement, humor and so much more,” Smee said. “This is someone who cares deeply about the success and comfort of every student during and after their time at MSU. I will always remember his genuine concern for my work in the classroom, the activities of my student organizations and even the well-being of my family members.”

When asked about his job, Robertson said the best part is interacting with students. 

“I firmly believe I have the best job on campus because I get to work with students every day,” Robertson said. “I can’t think of a day when I woke up in the morning and said, ‘Man, I gotta go to work.’ I always look forward to each day.” 

Smee said Robertson is one of the things the University should be most proud of. 

“Racers are more than students; they’re members of a blue and gold family,” Smee said. “This institutional priority may have been established long before Dr. R, but his administrative influence has fostered a positive campus atmosphere for decades and will last for decades more. We call it ‘The Finest Place We Know’ in large part due to one of the finest leaders I know.”