Roberta “Robin” Sullivan, with her friendly smile and enthusiasm for technology, is preparing to close a remarkable career filled with innovation, education, and a deep commitment to empowering others.
Robin’s career at UB began in 1998 as an instructional designer for the university’s professional schools, where she integrated technology and education to create new ways of teaching and learning. Her talents soon led her to the Educational Technology Center (ETC), a former department under the Libraries that focused on enhancing education and learning processes.
Her journey continued through the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC), where she served as interim director and assistant director, always guiding educators toward new possibilities. In 2019, Robin returned to the Libraries as head of media services and educational technologies librarian. In this role, she helped faculty navigate digital literacy, supporting them through the uncertainties of the pandemic, and designed programs like the Advanced Digital Literacy Specialization (ADL).
Robin’s career is filled with achievements. She led SUNY’s Exploring Emerging Technologies for Lifelong Learning and Success (#EmTech), an initiative that extended far beyond campus walls, enhancing digital literacy skills for countless learners worldwide. Her work with the UB Educational Design Collaborative (EDC) helped shape instructional goals across disciplines. She inspired future librarians and educators through her adjunct teaching. Her honors include the SUNY Chancellor’s Award, FACT2 Excellence in Instruction Awards, and SUNY Online Effective Practice Awards.
But Robin’s influence didn’t stop at the awards she received. She became a familiar voice at conferences, where her insights resonated with peers and pioneers alike. Her expertise in artificial intelligence and extended reality technologies opened doors to the future. Even in retirement, Robin plans to keep exploring these evolving frontiers.
As she steps away from her formal role, Robin is eager to rediscover old hobbies, embrace new ones, cherish time with her family, and share her journey through LinkedIn and other platforms.
To those who’ve worked beside her or had the opportunity to learn from her, Robin is a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. The Libraries, the university, and the countless minds she’s touched will carry her influence forward, even as she sets off on her well-deserved adventure.
Congratulations, Robin, and thank you for 26 incredible years at UB.