Shanice Robinson Ed.D
Dr. Shanice Robinson, a native of Richmond, California, is a distinguished faculty lecturer at both San Francisco State University and Diablo Valley Community College, where she advocates for racial equity and social justice in education. She has taught courses across various disciplines, including Africana Studies, Ethnic Studies, the Master of Arts in Equity and Social Justice, the Steps to College program, and the Master of Social Work department. Dr. Robinson's career is characterized by her commitment to dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline (STPP) and improving the educational experiences of Black/Africana-identified students.
Dr. Robinson completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at San Francisco State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies, a Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Ethnic Studies, a Master of Arts in Equity and Social Justice, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Her academic journey reflects her dedication to addressing the complexities of education and social justice, with a focus on expanding opportunities for Black excellence in higher education.
In her role as Senior Director of Culture and Social Justice at San Francisco State University, Dr. Robinson leads initiatives to promote inclusivity and equity, overseeing programs such as the Art Gallery, an Educational Referral for Sexuality Organization (EROS) Richard Oakes Multicultural Center (ROMC), the Queer Trans Resource Center (QTRC), and the Women's Center. She has held significant student affairs leadership positions, including Campus Visits and Tours Coordinator at SF State and Assistant Director of Graduate Student Affairs at UC Berkeley. Before transitioning into higher education, Dr. Robinson was a high school teacher at her alma mater John F Kennedy High School. As the co-founder of the Soul of SF State, a social justice organization, Dr. Robinson amplifies the voices of the Black community in the Bay Area. She also serves as co-chair of the Black Faculty and Staff Association, an Academic Senator, and a faculty advisor to various student organizations.
Dr. Robinson's research focuses on narratives of liberation within the STPP. Her dissertation, “Shawty Wanna Be A Thug? How Black Men Successfully Exit the School-to-Prison Pipeline,” explores the experiences of individuals overcoming this systemic barrier. She has pioneered the theoretical framework of "Black Urban Storytelling," which addresses gaps in traditional Critical Race Theory (CRT) by examining the experiences of Black males across academia, the carceral system, and society. Inspired by Tupac Shakur's Thug Life philosophy, her framework identifies resilience, decriminalization of identity, and resistance to oppression as key factors in challenging stereotypes and advocating for change.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Robinson is a dedicated mother to her two sons, De`Onnie and Byron. They share a passion for Golden State Warriors basketball and traveling to celebrate milestones, highlighting her commitment to both her family and career. Dr. Robinson's work and life exemplify a deep commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and the pursuit of social justice.