Every year, The Robinson Forum brings a leading voice in journalism to Samford's campus. It was established in honor of 1965 Samford journalism graduate Timothy Sumner Robinson who was a seasoned and creative media executive with over twenty years in the industry. He served as editor, columnist and reporter for The Washington Post, writing more front-page stories than any other reporter during his time there. He was also editor-in-chief of the National Law Journal. His final position was editorial director of search and navigation for AOL. Robinson was highly involved in the digitization of the journalism industry toward the end of his career. He died in 2003 at the age of 58.
Upcoming Lecture
Samford University’s Robinson Forum will welcome veteran journalist Carol Robinson, senior reporter for AL.com, on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 5 p.m. in Brooks Hall 134. The event is free and open to the public.
Robinson covers crime, public safety and breaking news in more than 30 Alabama counties. She began her journalism career at The Birmingham News in 1986, reporting on beats ranging from county government and education to business and general assignments before becoming the newspaper’s lead crime reporter in 1996.
Throughout her career, Robinson has distinguished herself by reporting not only on crimes as they unfold but also on the people and families affected by them. Her work has earned numerous state and regional honors, including recognition from the Sigma Delta Chi Awards, the Green Eyeshade Awards and the Alabama Press Association.
A graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and Auburn University, Robinson brings four decades of experience covering some of Alabama’s most significant and challenging stories.
Previous Lectures
- 2025 - Laura Hackett, Blue Ridge Public Radio
- 2024 - Jerry Mitchell, Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting
- 2023 - John Archibald, Ashley Remkus, Ramsey Archibald and Challen Stephens, AL.com
- 2022 - Anne Marimow, The Washington Post
- 2019 - Jennifer Greer, Association for Education in Journalism and Communication
- 2018 - Roy S. Johnson, AL.com
- 2017 - Bryan Lyman, Montgomery Advertiser
- 2016 -Brad Schrade, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- 2014 - Kyle Whitmire, AL.com
- 2012 - Gene Policinski, Newseum
- 2011 - Jason Reid, The Washington Post
- 2008 - Eugene Robinson, The Washington Post
- 2007 - Len Downie, The Washington Post
- 2006 - David Broder, The Washington Post
