Portraits capture path-forging power of Vanderbilt Pioneers
430 views · Published 4 April 2018 · 0:45 · Indexed 23 September 2026
Channel: Vanderbilt University · 2018 · Education
The School of Engineering’s first African American associate dean smiled at the image smiling back at him, a portrait where he carefully cradles the engraved pewter cup he won for research into diversity issues. William Robinson’s portrait, part of the Vanderbilt Pioneer program honoring those who forge paths for others, prompted memories of his mother—a student in the last segregated class to graduate Wauchula, Florida, schools who became the principal of a school she wouldn’t have been allowed to attend. “To think that I’m being considered a pioneer, as my mother was, is so meaningful for me,” Robinson said. “There’s more of my story yet to write, but I’m so glad we’re taking a moment to stop and recognize this.” Honorees’ portraits lined a long hallway at the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center on April 3. Their images were covered in tissue paper until the photographer, Professor of Philosophy Lucius Outlaw Jr., gave the signal to tear it away. Each honoree also received take-home copies of the two poses on display, one in black and white and one in color. Before the unveiling, Outlaw spoke passionately about the joy that photography brings him and how seriously he takes the jobs of putting his subjects as ease, selecting the right images, and bringing them to life on paper. David Williams II, vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs, lauded his friend and colleague’s talent, not only for photography, but also for keeping him encouraged and energized over the course of nearly two decades. Follow Vanderbilt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanderbiltu, on Instagram: http://instagram.com/vanderbiltu and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanderbilt. See all Vanderbilt social media at http://social.vanderbilt.edu.
