George E. Robinson III
George Robinson, DVM, MSPH is the founder and former CEO of Heartland Veterinary Partners,
a Chicago-based veterinary support organization. He currently serves as vice chairman
of the Heartland Veterinary Partners board and special advisor. Dr. Robinson is also
the current chairperson of the LSU Foundation National Board.
Since its inception, Heartland Veterinary Partners has enjoyed phenomenal growth and success. Dr. Robinson has over 30 years of veterinary industry experience, having held numerous clinical, business operational, and senior management roles throughout his career. Before joining Heartland Veterinary Partners, Dr. Robinson was a leader with National Veterinary Associates and Banfield Pet Hospital. Before that, he owned and operated successful veterinary hospitals in Louisiana.
Dr. Robinson was born and raised in Louisiana and is a graduate of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. He has an MSPH degree from the Howard University School of Medicine and a BS from Southern University. He previously served as vice president of the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine and chaired the Practice Advisory Panel of the AVMA, who notably wrote the AVMA Report on Telemedicine. He was named the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumnus for 2018 and is an active alumnus for the school.
“Dr. George,” as he likes to be called, is considered a thought leader in the veterinary space and maintains his license to practice veterinary medicine. He enjoys philanthropy, teaching, lecturing, knowledge sharing, and contributing to the broader profession. His unique path and career has been the subject of many motivational presentations.
As an active entrepreneur, business leader, and organizational expert, he serves as an advisor and a consultant for several entities in the academic, private, and non-profit arena and is a much sought-after public speaker.
My LSU Giving Story
What is your favorite memory involving LSU?
Practically living at the Veterinary School campus, which was brand new at the time.
I studied constantly, but when I took a break, I enjoyed the student parties and events.
I was a graduate student advisor to Alpha Phi Alpha, a Greek fraternity. I also participated
in a reader’s theatre on campus. The reader’s theatre focused on poetry from African
American poets and allowed me to use my talents as an actor and singer. I needed an
occasional diversion from non-stop studying, and I enjoyed it.
What is a key lesson you learned at LSU that you still use today?
I learned how to relate to, understand, and get along with people who were different
from me with diverse backgrounds and values. I look for “win-win” situations.
What skills or expertise do you bring to the table as a member of the LSU Foundation
Board of Directors?
I have experience and expertise in high levels of philanthropy, higher education,
business management, and government.
Why do you support LSU?
Supporting LSU is a way to create a legacy of service and caring. Hopefully, I can
encourage others to feel the same way. I want my gifts to promote higher education
and make it affordable for students who otherwise would not have the opportunity.
I believe education creates opportunity and broadens horizons.
If someone asked you why he/she should make a gift to LSU, what would you say?
LSU is the flagship institution for the state of Louisiana. We want to be #1 in educational
pursuits, just like we enjoy being #1 in athletics. LSU’s Fierce for the Future Campaign
can help make that happen.