Robinson named this year’s Outstanding Alumna at PCCUA
Inspired by her own children to enter the field of education, Stuttgart Junior High Principal Latara Robinson is being honored as this year’s Outstanding Alumna at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA).
A Stuttgart native, Robinson first received an A.A.S. degree and A.A. degree in early childhood education from PCCUA. From there, she went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in early childhood and completed an online graduate program in educational leadership from Arkansas State University, now holding her Arkansas licensure in early childhood education Pre-K-4, Elementary K-6, and Building Level Administrator P-12.
Working in her hometown is important to Robinson, because it allows her to give back and help encourage and support a new generation of young people growing up in her community.
Prior to becoming principal, Robinson worked in the Stuttgart School District for 11 years, first as an aide in special education, followed by paraprofessional-computer lab manager, then as a fifth-grade math teacher and a geometry/quantitative literacy teacher.
As principal, her motto is “every student, every day,” and she noted that it’s important for the school to teach students through“consistency, compassion, and connection.” She stays connected to her students by listening to them and their individual needs.
Robinson has two children, Kalea and Michael Smith Jr., and has raised her niece, Ailai, and nephew, Lathan. Active in her community, she has served on the C.O.P.Y. committee and on the Seeds of Compassion committee at First Baptist Missionary Church.
