Mary Trimmer Robinson is a “Double Duke,” graduating from Madison College in 1976 with a BA in English and a minor in Education, and earning a Master of Education in Reading in 1979 from JMU. While attending JMU she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and was a Resident Advisor for two and a half years in Hoffman Hall.
Mary began her teaching career in Rockingham County, teaching at Montevideo High School for two years (1977-1979). In 1979 she moved to the Richmond area and began teaching in the Chesterfield County Public School division, where she continued for 32 years. Mary earned her certification in Administration and Supervision through Virginia Commonwealth University in 1984. While working in Chesterfield County Public Schools, Mary was a teacher of English and Reading, a Department Chairman, and she helped develop and coordinated an alternative program for struggling middle school students. Mary was a school administrator in Chesterfield for 25 years, finishing her career there with 10 years as a middle school principal. While a school administrator, she was involved in numerous division and state-level activities, including serving on several school evaluation committees.
Since her retirement from public education in 2012, Mary has worked as a Facilitator in a program through the JMU College of Education to provide support for Career Switcher teachers earning certification in teaching. In addition, she supervises student teachers for both the University of Richmond and JMU. She also serves as a Regional Coordinator for the JMU Education Leadership Cohort program in the Richmond area.
Mary has remained a passionate supporter of JMU, especially the College of Education. She serves on the Executive Advisory Council for the College of Education and takes every opportunity to participate in activities related to the College of Education as well as the University in general. In addition, Mary is a founding member and continues to participate in the President’s Council, as well as being a member of the Madison Founders Society.
