Jackson State athletic director Ashley Robinson is staying, not leaving for Prairie View job

Ashley Robinson is staying at Jackson State as athletic director. Robinson was rumored to be the next athletic director at Prairie View, where he served in the same role from 2013 to 2018.

Jackson State University Acting President Elayne Hayes-Anthony and Robinson released a joint video statement Wednesday confirming Robinson’s continued leadership of the JSU athletics program.

“If you're wondering, it is a done deal. AD Robinson is staying at Thee I Love, Jackson State University," Hayes-Anthony said. "We huddled up, as they say in sports, and we came out a winner. I am so pleased to have him as a part of my administration. We want him here because of his brilliant track record. He’s done so many things to elevate athletics, which is a part of our strategic plan. I’d like to encourage the entire JSU community to show up and show out for our student-athletes this season so we can continue to help them excel in and out of the classroom.”

AD of the year

Robinson was hired at JSU in 2018 as vice president/ director of athletics and signed a contract extension on Feb.15, 2022, that ran through 2026.

In 2021-2022, Robinson was selected the Cushman & Wakefield Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of College Directors of Athletics.

Robinson's biggest move at JSU came when he hired Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders as football coach. Sanders led the Tigers to an historic 12-1 record and the SWAC Championship in 2022.

Recognizing coaching talent

The hiring of Sanders elevated Jackson State's brand to one of the most recognized schools in sports and Black culture. Jackson State set an FCS record in football attendance last fall, averaging more than 42,000 fans.

Robinson also hired former NBA player Mo Williams as the Tigers' basketball coach in 2022. He found another coaching gem in women's basketball coach Tomekia Reed, who nearly led JSU women's basketball program to an upset victory over LSU in 2022.

"I don't think I ever went anywhere, Dr. Anthony, especially with you in place," Robinson said in the video. "This is a decision that Jackson State is very special to me. There is nothing like having support for the athletic department. A lot of institutions and a lot of athletic directors don't have the support, but when you have the support of your president and administration, that's big. That is one of the biggest reasons why I made the decision to stay at Jackson State University with the support of the alumni. Our great student-athletes, our great coaches, our great administration and our great president. That's what it is all about."

JSU PRESIDENT SUPPORTS ATHLETICS Jackson State interim president Elayne Hayes-Anthony vows to support athletics

Looking to the future

Hayes-Anthony said new lights will be installed at the football team's practice facility by the end of the week, which will allow football coach T.C. Taylor to schedule practice on need and not time.

"With the support of President Hayes-Anthony, we are bringing men's and women's golf back," Robinson said. "That is a big deal here at Jackson State University. We had a great tradition with Coach (Eddie) Payton and won over 30 championships in the golf program. ... We are bringing that program this year. We are going to transition that program, which is huge for Jackson State, so we are back to the 18 sports."

Robinson said some of the strategic planning and goals for athletics were to upgrade the tennis courts and the track.

"Everything we have done is about student success," Robinson said. "It is all about student success and Jackson State University."

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ashley Robinson is staying put as Jackson State athletic director