As president of ETS’s Educational Policy Leadership Institute, Sharon Robinson heads the public policy arm of the organization. In this role, she serves as the primary voice for ETS in the national dialogue surrounding education and education reform.

Prior to becoming EPLI President, Robinson was ETS’s executive vice president for External Affairs, Public Policy and Research.

Before joining ETS, Robinson was Assistant Secretary of Education with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Research and Improvement.

She also held a variety of leadership positions at the National Education Association, including director of the National Center for Innovation, NEA’s research and development arm.

A lifelong civil rights activist, Robinson has waged a personal crusade to convince educators of the economic necessity and ethical responsibility to develop strategies for educating and maximizing the potential of minority and disabled students in rural and inner city districts.

Robinson received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky, where she also earned her doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision. She recently completed the renowned Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.

Among her many awards are an honorary doctorate from the University of Louisville, the Award of Appreciation from the National Head Start Association, the Founders Award from the National Commission for African American Education, the Pinnacles of Excellence Award by Helping Hands Enrichment & Leadership Foundation, the Teach for America Award, and the Girl Scout's Woman of Distinction Award.