Name: Stuart Robinson
Job Title: Director of Athletics, Wellness and Recreation
Institution: State University of New York at New Paltz
Number of Years in Your Position: 19
E-mail Address: robinsos@newpaltz.edu
Hometown: New Paltz, New York
Twitter Handle: @nphawks

Why did you become involved in NADIIIAA and what has the experience been like so far?
I became involved in NADIIIAA because it provides an opportunity to interact with fellow athletics administrators. In this profession I have found that it is reassuring and grounding to be able to talk with colleagues who understand the responsibilities and the challenges that come with the position. I continue to benefit from the exchange of ideas and the sharing of perspectives which makes NADIIIAA a tremendous resource.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date?
Perhaps a better way to say it, I am most proud of the commitment to the student experience that our staff represents. As a result of the efforts of many, my staff and I have built a department that has achieved success academically and athletically, while also providing programming that challenges and enhances the social development of our students. When I arrived, I do not think that New Paltz was taken seriously as a college that could have a quality athletics department. Through these successes, we have shattered that expectation. I believe that we now have earned the respect of others for what we do and have achieved.

What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
Perspective. Our position as an administrator has so many demands from a variety of people who all have a lens that can be singular in focus. I have learned that it is important not to react to how something is said but rather what is said. I have learned that being an active listener with a commitment to equity has served me well in my role.  

What is your favorite part of being involved in DIII athletics?
I love the interaction with students and staff. There are times where an administrator can get caught up in meetings or find oneself isolated from the day-to-day interactions with students and staff. They are the essence of what I love most about this position. I enjoy sitting and getting to know a student as a person or to mentor a staff member. I enjoy participating in development programs for student-athletes, talking about the philosophy of coaching with coaches or developing new approaches with administrators. This is something that I think is unique to Division III.

If you didn't have a career in DIII athletics administration, what would you be doing?
I would either teach or possibly be a lawyer. I have thought about pursuing each path at one point or another. To me working in athletics is about being an effective teacher. While many can be cynical about lawyers, I have always been fascinated with the law because of how they can help and positively impact a person's life. To me both professions help others find and to develop their voice, which I believe closely resembles what I have been able to do as an athletics administrator.

What is your favorite place to visit?
Anywhere with my children where we, have never been before. I love traveling to a place where we are all on the same footing in terms of experience or knowledge. When we are learning together, it has made for great laughs and fun.  
                  
What is your favorite sporting event you have ever attended?
One of my sons' games. I like being there to support him up in the last row of the bleachers away from others or standing at the far end of a field. To me, it is their activity and their moment, and I get to just be dad.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Never stop learning.