Chancellor Robinson Appointed to National Merit Scholarship Corporation Board of Directors

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Chancellor Robinson visits with National Merit Scholarship semifinalists at Little Rock Central High School in October 2023.

Chancellor Charles Robinson was recently appointed to a three-year term on the Board of Directors for National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). This appointment marks a significant recognition of Robinson's longstanding commitment to academic excellence and dedication to nurturing the brightest minds in Arkansas and the nation. 

"National Merit Scholarship Corporation is deeply committed to promoting student success and academic achievement," Robinson remarked. "I am honored to join the Board of Directors and contribute to the advancement of this esteemed program." 

Established in 1955, National Merit Scholarship Corporation has a rich legacy of recognizing and rewarding exceptional academic talent. It is widely regarded as the highest honor U.S. high school students can attain, and many former Scholars fondly recall receiving the scholarship as a transformative experience that set them up for lifelong success. 

NMSC's Board of Directors comprises a select group of 19 individuals representing an array of backgrounds and expertise. Among them are corporate and foundation leaders, high school principals and administrators, and university chancellors and presidents. The Board of Directors serves as the governing body of NMSC, enforcing the organization's bylaws while also acting as advocates and ambassadors for the Corporation and its mission. Robinson's three-year appointment began last November, and he will be eligible for reappointment to a second term in 2026. Board members are limited to serving two consecutive three-year terms. 

Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment management and dean of admissions, expressed enthusiasm for Robinson's appointment, saying, "Chancellor Robinson's appointment to the Board of Directors not only reflects his personal dedication to educational advancement but also underscores the University of Arkansas' commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and opportunity for all its students. As both a professor and an administrative leader on our campus, Chancellor Robinson has been a constant advocate for students, and I am delighted to see him be asked to serve in this national capacity." 

Since joining the program in 1979, the U of A has funded 1,179 National Merit Scholars. Many others have attended the university thanks to support from NMSC and its corporate and foundation sponsors. In fall 2023, the U of A welcomed nearly 200 National Merit Scholars to campus.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.  

About National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC):  NMSC is a private, not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance.  NMSC conducts the National Merit Scholarship Program, which is an annual nationwide scholarship competition for identifying and honoring academically talented U.S. high school students who have exceptional abilities and show great promise for future success.  Students are awarded scholarships worth about $40 million annually which are administered by NMSC.  All scholarships are privately financed by some 340 corporations, company foundations, professional groups, universities, colleges, and NMSC's own funds.  Since NMSC’s establishment in 1955, more than $1.9 billion has been granted for college undergraduate scholarships for approximately 476,000 students.  Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NMSC employs 36 full-time employees.  For more information about NMSC and its scholarship program, please visit their website at www.nationalmerit.org.