LT Robinson

Creating an inclusive and engaging campus environment is central to student success. As student populations grow and become more diverse, the role of Student Affairs leaders in shaping that experience has never been more important. Few exemplify this responsibility as well as LT Robinson, Senior Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

With nearly 25 years of experience in Higher Education (HE), LT has dedicated her career to ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel welcome, supported, and empowered. She sat down with The Interview Co-Host Jack Eagle to discuss her journey into student affairs, the importance of fostering unity on campus, and the evolving role of student well-being in HE.

LT’s Journey

Jack: Let’s start with a quick introduction to yourself and your institution.

My name is LT Robinson, and I serve as the Senior Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). UTSA was founded a little over 50 years ago – 54, to be exact – originally with a mission to provide educational opportunities to the San Antonio community, including our large Hispanic population. Today, we are a growing institution with nearly 37,000 students, and our commitment to student success remains at the heart of everything we do.

Jack: Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in Student Affairs?

I’m a first-generation college student, and my journey to HE wasn’t straightforward. My parents never had the opportunity to complete their education beyond the fifth grade, but they were determined that I would go further.

When I was in high school, I told them I would take a gap year before starting university because we couldn’t afford tuition. But that same week, I was nominated for a scholarship that changed everything. With that support, I went to college and, like many students, made a lot of mistakes early on. I struggled, but Student Affairs professionals stepped in – mentors who guided me, helped me find my footing, and encouraged me to succeed.

Their impact was so profound that I knew I wanted to do the same for other students. That’s what led me to a career in student affairs, and I’ve never looked back.

Jack: A huge part of student affairs is fostering a positive and open campus environment. How do you promote unity on campus at UTSA?

One of the things I love most about UTSA is the strong sense of community. From the moment I first arrived on campus, I noticed how welcoming and family-oriented everyone was – students, faculty, and staff alike.

I believe that a strong community starts with collaboration. We work hard to break down silos between departments and identify common goals that bring us together. Whether it’s through student organizations, leadership programs, or shared campus initiatives, our focus is always on ensuring that students feel connected and supported.

Jack: With such a large student population, how do you engage students from the moment they arrive on campus?

We take a comprehensive approach to the student journey, starting with bridging the gap between summer or winter orientation and the beginning of our academic semester. Our Roadrunner Days – our version of a welcome week – were expanded into a two-week program. The first week is focused on helping students acclimate to campus, while the second week introduces them to academic resources like tutoring and advising.

Beyond these threaded and intentional initiatives, we emphasize personal connections. It’s not just about me or my office reaching out to students – it’s about empowering faculty, staff, and student leaders to engage with students where they are. Whether that means walking around campus, attending student events, or working directly with student organizations, our goal is to make sure every student knows they belong.

Jack: Outside of creating a welcoming campus, what other key priorities are shaping your work at UTSA?

One of the biggest shifts we’ve made is moving beyond traditional wellness programs and adopting a more holistic well-being model. Many students think of wellness as exercise and nutrition, but we take a broader approach that includes mental health, financial security, social connections, and more.

To support this, UTSA established a Well-Being Task Force, which I co-chair. We’ve built a framework based on the eight dimensions of well-being, ensuring that students receive the resources and support they need – both inside and outside the classroom.

Jack: I understand you’ve been hosting listening sessions to engage students on these issues. Can you tell us more about that?

We started listening sessions in December as a way to hear directly from students about what’s working, what’s not, and where the gaps in our services are. We found that many students were struggling with stress, political pressures, and financial concerns, so we wanted to create a space for them to share their experiences.

Initially, turnout was lower than we’d hoped, but the feedback was invaluable. Based on what we heard, we’re making changes – this time, we’re partnering with student organizations to co-host the sessions, making them more accessible to a wider audience.

Jack: Peer-to-peer learning is a growing trend in HE. How is UTSA incorporating student leaders into its well-being initiatives?

We’re expanding our peer-to-peer networks by training student mentors in both academic and non-academic areas. These students receive training in active listening, student support, and resource navigation, so they can provide guidance to their peers.

Additionally, we’re working closely with academic success centers within each college at UTSA. Students are often familiar with these centers but may not know about our Student Affairs resources, so by bridging these networks, we’re making support more accessible.

Jack: When it comes to well-being resources, what specific services does UTSA offer?

Our Well-Being Services department provides a broad range of support. It offers educational workshops on topics such as health, nutrition, stress management, and recovery services for students facing challenges like substance misuse. Through a partnership with UT Health San Antonio, we’ve expanded our mental health and medical services, making them more accessible to students. Additionally, our Student Assistance Services team helps students navigate campus resources, ensuring they receive the support they need without unnecessary hurdles.

Jack: Finally, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to those starting their careers in HE?

The best advice I’ve received is to build your own personal board of directors. Just like a company has trusted advisors, I’ve created a network of mentors, colleagues, and friends who support me in different ways – whether it’s offering brutal honesty, encouragement, or simply an escape from work.

Having that support system has been invaluable in my journey, and I encourage others in HE to do the same.