Bradley professor among Peoria’s “40 Leaders Under Forty”

11/04/2011 11:14 AM

By Elise Dismer ’13

Dr. Jennifer Robin isn’t over-the-hill. After being awarded one of Peoria’s “40 Leaders Under Forty,” she’s standing on top of it.

Named by “InterBusiness Issues” magazine to this year’s roster of young standouts, Robin was selected for her impact in the community and her personification of the youthful initiative in the region.

“It’s quite the local honor,” Robin said. “Some of the people I respect most in Peoria have been on that list. It’s the magazine that I watch for every fall.”

Dr. Robin, assistant professor of business management and administration, was nominated for the honor by two colleagues – Dr. Stephenie Chaudoir, assistant professor of psychology, and Dr. Angela Pratt, assistant professor of communication.

“Dr. Jennifer Robin is an innovative, dedicated and talented leader who is an exemplar for our community,” Chaudoir and Pratt wrote. “She is an active leader, mentor and steward for the greater Peoria region and her leadership has been transformational in educational, non-profit and industry settings.”

Indeed, Robin has held several leadership roles in the local area. She has served on Peoria’s NEXT Discovery Forum Steering Committee, the Board of the Women’s Fund and on the Board of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure – Memorial Affiliate.

“Jennifer’s leadership and vision have helped to position the local Susan G. Komen Affiliate into the Downstate Affiliate, effectively increasing the scope of our organization,” said Linda Maricle, executive director of the Komen Board. “Thousands of women will be impacted by this expansion and Jennifer’s commitment and leadership are a key part of this new Komen success.”

Moreover, Robin impacts both graduate and undergraduate students every day through her instruction at Bradley, and has been a celebrated member of the FCBA faculty for her approach to teaching.

“I always hope to create those ‘ah, ha moments’ in the classroom,” Robin said, “but also it’s my goal that everyone leaves with something that he or she can apply immediately out of the classroom.”

Robin said the award really isn’t about her; it’s about Bradley.

“Many faculty members in the Foster College are very active in community leadership roles and do substantial not-for-profit work,” she said. “All of us believe it’s part of our duty to be involved in the community. I’m being acknowledged for that this year, but I think I’m representative of what many in the Foster College do for the Peoria area year in and year out.”

To see the full index of this year’s award recipients.