Dr. Shadow JQ Robinson Begins Tenure as President of Frostburg State University

Jul 1, 2026 8:30 AM

Frostburg State University officially welcomed Dr. Shadow JQ Robinson as its president on July 1, 2026. He succeeds Darlene Brannigan Smith, PhD, who is retiring after serving as interim president since January 21, 2025.

Dr. Robinson joins Frostburg State from the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, where he served as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Robinson has deep Appalachian roots and brings with him extensive experience in academic leadership, student success initiatives and strategic growth.

“My vision for Frostburg State is to ensure our students graduate with the momentum, skills and experience to contribute on day one of their careers,” said Robinson. “That requires deepening relationships with employers, school systems, health care partners, nonprofits and local government; expanding paid internships and other forms of applied learning; and aligning our programs with the region’s talent needs.” 

As president, Dr. Robinson will lead the University in advancing its mission of providing transformative educational opportunities that prepare future leaders to meet the challenges of a complex and changing global society.

Robinson earned a Ph.D. in theoretical nuclear physics from Rutgers University in 2002. He also holds bachelor’s degrees in physics and astronomy and mathematics from the University of Kentucky, where he began taking classes at age 14 and enrolled as a full-time student at 16.    

Robinson and his wife, Jennifer Petrovich, recently relocated from Arkansas and are looking forward to becoming part of the western Maryland community.