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
Howard College will host the 2025 Timothy Sumner Robinson Forum on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 5–6 p.m. in the Regions Room of Cooney Hall. This year’s forum will feature Laura Hackett, Hurricane Helene Reporter for Blue Ridge Public Radio. Hackett is an Edward R. Murrow Award–winning journalist whose reporting on Hurricane Helene and its aftermath has been recognized by the Online News Association, the Radio Television Digital News Association and the Society of Professional Journalists.
Her work has also been featured on NPR’s Marketplace and All Things Considered. The event is open to the public, and local community members are encouraged to attend.
Previous Lectures
- 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
