Robin Wynder ‘80/M’87 devoted more than three decades to Frostburg State University, shaping generations of students through her unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion and student success. She formally joined the University in 1989 as director of the Diversity Center; a role she held for more than 30 years before being promoted in 2020 to assistant vice president of Student Affairs and Equity Inclusion Officer.

Her connection to FSU, however, began long before her professional career. As both an undergraduate and graduate student, Wynder discovered her calling while interning in the Counseling Center. “By the time I completed my graduate studies, I knew I enjoyed working with this age group,” she recalls. “My first full-time position at FSU was in Student Support Services, and it was everything to me. I was able to provide students with the support I wish I had taken advantage of when I was a student.”

Wynder’s late husband, Bernard ‘78/M’84, also dedicated his career to Frostburg State, serving in the very position she would later be promoted.  “We both wanted to make sure that any students coming after us had the best experience,” she says, “and that they made meaningful connections that expanded their minds and their worlds.”

Throughout her career, Wynder believed deeply in the power of education to foster understanding and enrich lives.  “The goal of our office’s programming—our workshops, trainings and retreats--was to create spaces where diverse groups of individuals could come together in meaningful, intimate settings and truly connect,” she explains. “The more people I could help learn to fully see, hear and value one another, the more ambassadors there would be on campus and in the community.”

One of Wynder’s most cherished contributions to Frostburg emerged during her time in Student Support Services with the creation of a student retreat program. “I think I learned and grew as much as the students did,” she says. “It quickly became my favorite work. If I could have done nothing but retreats all year, I would have.” These experiences created opportunities for students, faculty and staff to share personal stories, confront challenges and find healing.  “I still hear from people who attended those retreats and want to tell me about the impact they had,” Wynder notes. “I’m not interested in accolades-knowing that I used my God-given talents to help others is what matters to me.”

Above all, Wynder sought to ensure that every person she encountered felt they belonged at Frostburg and never walked their journey alone. “I always viewed my work as a mission,” she says. “We have the privilege and unique opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives. I hope my former colleagues continue to appreciate the importance of that work.”

Though retired, Wynder remains a passionate advocate for Frostburg State University. She hopes Bobcats--past, present and future--continue to recognize and celebrate what makes the University special. “Frostburg is truly a jewel,” she says. “Its small size and unique location give us the opportunity to reach people in powerful ways.”  

In retirement, Wynder is pursuing licensure and ordination as a minister is teaching Introduction to African American Studies this spring. She has enjoyed traveling and exploring the world - but the greatest joy of this chapter, she says, is spending more time with her grandchildren. 🐾