Robison honored with 2026 CANR Staff Dean’s Award of Distinction
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EmailCara Robison, Ph.D., of the Department of Animal Science, will be honored with the 2026 CANR Staff Dean’s Award of Distinction on May 6.
Cara Robison, Ph.D., of the Department of Animal Science, will be honored with the CANR Staff Dean’s Award of Distinction on May 6.
The CANR Staff Dean’s Award of Distinction recognizes a support staff member for outstanding long‑term service to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and exemplary performance throughout their employment.
Robison, a research assistant in the Department of Animal Science, has been a valued member of the CANR community since 2000. In her role, she supports a wide range of research efforts across species, assisting faculty with studies involving horses, poultry, sheep and dairy cattle. She also manages the laying hen facility at the Poultry Teaching and Research Farm, ensuring the success of research and teaching activities.
Colleagues consistently describe Robison as a steady and essential presence within the department. One nominator referred to her as “the unheralded hero of our department,” citing her dedication, exceptional organizational skills and commitment to ensuring projects succeed.
Robison has also played a key role in preserving MSU’s long‑standing draft horse program. Drawing on her industry connections, she has helped secure horses for the program and took the lead on a fundraising campaign to support the purchase of new animals, reinforcing her leadership and deep institutional knowledge.
In addition to her research support, Robison is widely recognized as a mentor to students. Known affectionately by colleagues as the “undergraduate whisperer,” she has a talent for recruiting, training and retaining undergraduate students, while also providing guidance and support to graduate students.
According to another nominator, “Cara’s dedication to MSU, CANR and the Department of Animal Science is unsurpassed.” Her leadership, mentorship and commitment to the college have earned her the respect and appreciation of colleagues across CANR.