A Voice of Professionalism
Clotia Robinson Represents Graduate Students at GPEC

It was a misunderstanding that first kindled Clotia Robinson’s interest in serving as a graduate student representative to SPU’s Graduate Policy and Evaluation Committee (GPEC), a group of faculty and staff members who review the design and implementation of graduate programs. When she received the email that invited students to apply for the position, she was surprised.

“To be perfectly honest,” she laughs, “the announcement was written in such a manner that I thought I had been selected, so I graciously accepted. It was only after I submitted my acceptance speech in writing to Cher Edwards [School Counseling professor and chair of GPEC], that I learned that it was a request for nominations, and that I could nominate myself, or could be nominated by a faculty member. So, initially what provoked my interest was being chosen!”

It was, in retrospect, a happy accident. Her enthusiastic reply was the first step toward her actual selection for the role. Committee members were excited about welcoming her to the table, where she works to provide input from the students’ perspective to the Committee.

Dr. Robert McKenna, the chair of Seattle Pacific’s Psychology program, felt “a small dose of pride” when he heard that Robinson had been chosen. Robinson, having recently transferred from SPU’s Clinical Psychology program to the Organizational Psychology program. “Clotia brings a rich experience base, tremendous leadership qualities, and a mind for learning,” McKenna explains. “I know she understands graduate education at SPU and will be a great student representative as we continue to serve our graduate students.”

Cher Edwards says, “In addition to her professionalism … Clotia brings a unique perspective of being in more than one graduate program at SPU.”

For Robinson, the opportunity seemed too good to pass up. “After having a period to reflect on how lucky I was to be able to get an up-close-and-personal look at how decisions were made about programs and curriculum; to meet, observe and learn from successful academic administrators; and to be an advocate for graduate students, I had no choice but to apply.”

Robinson graduated from University of Michigan in the ‘70s, a science major with a B.S. in secondary education. “I have always wanted to be in the mental health profession but it took me several decades and many careers (including attending seminary and being a pastor in a church) to decide on a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.”

Why Seattle Pacific? “I chose SPU because of its Christian roots, knowing it would allow me to integrate my faith with my scientific training.” The Organizational Psychology program is contributing to her current work and to future plans. “I am currently a HR professional, so the organizational psychology degree will allow me to expand my skills and abilities in my current profession without sacrificing my ambition to have a private practice when I retire. I intend to fulfill my practical training for the clinical program once I receive my Ph.D.”

After her work at SPU is done, Robinson looks forward to helping people “discern calling and find meaningful work” through her own private practice. And that’s not all. “I would like to consult with organizations with a focus on executive coaching and program and leadership development. I would also like to teach.”

If you’re curious about following in Robinson’s footsteps as a student representative to GPEC, she would encourage you to go for it. “If you are interested in an academic career as a professor or administrator, this is a perfect opportunity to meet role models and mentors and to learn how graduate programs are developed.”