Travon Robinson

Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
University Housing
Educational Opportunity Program
Office of Admissions
Department of Multicultural and Gender Studies
1996–2021

The University’s increased emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is due in great part to the contributions of Travon “Tray” Robinson. Holding various positions in Academic Affairs and Student Affairs during his 25-year career at Chico State, Robinson was a steadfast and innovative champion of programs and activities that have supported students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who have been underserved or discriminated against.

Robinson began his career as University Housing’s first resident director; he then served as an academic advisor for the Educational Opportunity Program, followed by a six-year stint as an admissions counselor. Because of his longstanding advocacy for students of all backgrounds, he was named as the first director of the newly formed Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) in 2005 (now known as the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion).

During his 16 years as the head of ODI, Robinson launched Conversations on Diversity and Inclusion (CODI), the Diversity Art Exhibit, and Multicultural Welcome Receptions, as well as collaborated with departments and units across campus to promote their own diversity goals and those of the University.

By the time of his retirement in 2021, Robinson had served on more than 30 councils, committees, and task forces on and off campus, including the Black Faculty and Staff Association, the First-Year Experience Program, the Foster Youth Committee, and the Stonewall Alliance Center of Chico. He has also been a lecturer in Multicultural and Gender Studies for the past 10 years.

“Tray’s gift for bringing people together and inspiring others to achieve things for the collective good is truly inspiring,” said Michelle Morris, professor and faculty diversity officer. “His incredible patience with slow—sometimes painstakingly slow—but steady progress in all things EDI has served as a valuable lesson to me and so many others.”

Pedro Douglas, former associate vice president of Student Affairs, praised Robinson’s commitment to student success and issues surrounding diversity and inclusion: “Not only is Tray passionate in his dealings, excited about his teaching, and extremely knowledgeable, he is a great mentor to many.”

In 2021, Robinson was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the CODI committee. After retirement he accepted a position at Butte College as its first diversity, equity, and anti-racism officer.