Robinson Joins College of Education as Spangler Foundation Distinguished Professor

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Feb. 19, 2024) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University announced the 2023 North Carolina Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children’s Distinguished Service Award winner, Gretchen Robinson, Ph.D., has joined the College of Education faculty as Spangler Distinguished Professor of Early Child Literacy.

N.C. A&T’s College of Education is one of four in North Carolina to receive the C.D. Spangler Foundation endowment. The others are at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Appalachian State University, and East Carolina University.

“We look forward to Dr. Robinson’s leadership in advancing early child literacy teacher preparation. The science of reading continues to advance toward paradigms that are more robust, inclusive, and culturally responsive,” said Tonya Smith-Jackson, provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “Under Dr. Robinson’s leadership, our students will be even more prepared to provide the best teaching-learning practices so all students can master skills and knowledge that are fundamental to success in life.”

As Spangler Distinguished Professor of Early Child Literacy, Robinson will focus on literacy and the science of reading, conduct research, develop curricula and instruct future educators on effective strategies for fostering literacy skills in young children.

“Dr. Robinson is a wonderful addition to our team in Educator Preparation, and she will provide great leadership in the state and across the UNC system for the advancement of literacy,” said Paula Groves Price, College of Education dean.

Robinson has received grants and major fellowships in support of her research, including an appointment as a Project LEADS Doctoral Fellow from 2006 to 2010 at the University of North Carolina Greensboro’s Department of Specialized Education Services. She co-authored the book chapter “Responding to Teachers’ Perceptions: Addressing Bias in the Special Education Referral Process” in 2019.

Noted for her years of service beyond the classroom as an advocate for early child literacy and those with disabilities across the state, she serves as past president of the North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children’s Teacher Education Division and a board member of the North Carolina branch of the International Dyslexia Association.

A North Carolina native, Robinson received a B.S. in speech pathology and audiology from UNCG, M.S. in communication sciences and disorders from Western Carolina University, and Ph.D. in special education from UNCG.