Terrance Robinson (BASc (BSc) '72, DSc '15)

In 1989, The University of Lethbridge Alumni Association established their Alumnus of the Year Award to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in their chosen field, or achieved international reputation in their field

Terrance Earl Robinson is an Alumnus who has brought honour to The University of Lethbridge. Today, he receives the Alumnus of the Year Award as a symbol of the University’s pride and respect.

Terry Robinson is a Psychology Professor at the University of Michigan, but his career roots are here. He began his studies at the U of L in 1970 in his third year. He graduated two years later with a BA in psychology with Great Distinction. While here, Terry Robinson was an active student researcher, and represented the student body on General Faculties Council.

After graduation, he went to the University of Saskatchewan and was awarded his MA in physiological psychology in 1974. Terry Robinson immediately set to work on his Ph.D., also in physiological psychology, at the University of Western Ontario. He completed his doctoral work in 1978 and spent a year as a Post-doctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychobiology at the University of California.

Since then, Terry Robinson has been at the University of Michigan, and has advanced from assistant to full professor.

In the scientific field, he’s probably one of the most distinguished graduates from the University. He is best known for his theory of why people take drugs. His work involves the discovery of drug-induced sensitization, its relation to stress, and its dependency upon hormones. His research shows a relationship exists between sensitization and schizophrenia. Understanding the processes of sensitization may lead to ways of inducing reverser sensitization.

The University of Lethbridge is pleased to have such a distinguished researcher and scholar among its alumni.