The Scholarship
Dr. Robert L. Haynie (GRS ’72, MED ’78) recently retired as the Dean of the Robbin's Society, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, and Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the CWRU School of Medicine. His specialization in obesity and hypertension aimed to help those otherwise underserved as a result of class and racial barriers.
Beyond his research work, Dr. Haynie’s passion for education has resulted in unprecedented opportunities for minority students in the Cleveland area. This named scholarship aids a diverse group of students enrolled in the School of Medicine, thereby furthering Dr. Haynie’s commitment to medicine, education, and eliminating barriers to both.
“That's the kind of person he is. He finds out where you are, connects with you and tries to develop your individual strengths and talents.”
—Dr. Regina James
His Story
As a Ph.D. student at Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Haynie was surprised by the disparity between the university’s population and those of the surrounding neighborhoods. As his path progressed to medical student, then staff, then faculty member, Haynie decided to act.
In partnership with John Hay High School, Haynie founded the Robbins Bridge Program - a path from the Cleveland Metro School District to CWRU School of Medicine - in hopes of lessening the gap between CWRU and her environs. This program continues today, with the additional support of the Cleveland School of Science and Medicine and the Joan C. Edwards Charitable Foundation. Haynie has also instituted the Four Corners Project - a collaboration with Bolton Elementary School, Cuyahoga County Juvenile Justice Center, University Hospitals’ Otis Moss, Jr. Health Center, and Olivet Institutional Baptist Church - with the common goal of improving the quality of life of the children in Cleveland neighborhoods and schools.
Dr. Haynie, in every aspect of his life and career, seeks equity, equality, and justice in education and medicine. This scholarship manifests Dr. Haynie’s immense kindness and passion, and the good it produces in local communities.