CofC Faces to Know: Jabari Robinson

Name: Jabari Robinson

Hometown: Manning, South Carolina

Education/Background: Winthrop University (2015) – B.S. in Biology, minor in chemistry; Auburn University (2017) M.Ed. – Administration of Higher Education

Job title: Assistant Director of Residence Life

How long have you worked at the College? Four years

What are your job responsibilities? Generally, I help provide support to the residential students and the Residence Life staff. I directly supervise residence hall directors (full time and graduate), thus indirectly supervising resident and desk assistants. My community spans about a third of campus. I am also the point person for student staff recruitment efforts.

What do you like most about your job? Seeing the residents’ or student staff’s growth: Being able to see a student blossom into their own and find their way is why I got into student affairs.

What question do you get asked most in your job and what’s your typical answer? The main questions I get are dealing with some sort of roommate conflict (generally cleanliness or guests). My first question is always, “Did you talk to them (the roommate) about the situation?” Our goal in Residence Life is to facilitate growth and support, but also challenge students as they adapt to communal living. Conflict management and confrontation are not bad things, and one-on-one roommate conversations are the best to handle those situations. … Or, Where is Campus Housing? (We are separate departments at the College of Charleston.)

What’s your favorite location on campus and why? Randolph Hall/Cistern. In a more serendipitous reason, there are a several landmarks of my fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) in and around the Cistern Yard. My fraternity involvement led me into my career in student affairs – so, weirdly, I wouldn’t be in this field without College of Charleston.

What are your hobbies? Watching TV, playing with my dog and different summer projects (this summer is crocheting)

What personal and/or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? Winning the Dr. Jeri O Cabot Award for Challenge and Support. This came at a time when I was extremely burned out, and I was managing three buildings while short staffed. It was great to see the work I was doing was making a difference and was being seen.

Name a creative work (book, movie, performance, etc.) you enjoyed recently and why? An audiobook called My Vampire System. I had gotten away from reading in the last few years, but this was able to catch my attention and reinvigorate my love for reading. Well … at least for listening to a book.

What was your favorite TV show growing up? Half & Half or Charmed

What’s next on your bucket list? I don’t really have one, but I would love to get to a place where I can travel more.

What is something your campus colleagues would be surprised to know about you? I have performed in drag a few times.

What was your first job? Cashier at McDonald’s

What’s your favorite Lowcountry restaurant? Cafecito on King Street

Describe your perfect day: “April 25: It’s not too hot.” … JK. I would say a nice warm day with a slight breeze, hanging out with my friends – preferably on a rooftop.

To nominate a faculty or staff member to be featured in the “CofC Faces to Know” series, please send the person’s name and email address to [email protected]. Please include “CofC Faces to Know” in the email subject line.