Dr. Latiya Robinson
Everything changed for Dr. Latiya Robinson in 2023 – in a heartbeat. Literally.
After battling health issues for most of her life, beginning with childhood heart issues and undiagnosed Lupus, Robinson’s condition took a sharp turn. In her early 30s, she was diagnosed with heart failure, experiencing severe fatigue and joint pain. Within months, she was placed on a transplant list.
Then, just three months later, her life changed. A heart donor became available. Robinson underwent heart transplant surgery in March 2023, followed by a second surgery a month later due to complications.
“Recovery was not just physical,” she said. “It was mental, emotional, and spiritual. Learning to live with someone else’s heart beating inside of me came with gratitude, survivor’s guilt, and a new sense of purpose. I had to relearn how to trust my body, rebuild my strength, and continue being a doctoral student.”
Through it all, Robinson persisted. She is now just one semester away from completing her PhD in industrial and organizational psychology at Liberty University, where she was accepted into the doctoral program in 2022. This February, she was named the 2025 PhD Student of the Year by the Blacks in I/O Psychology Organization – a prestigious recognition of her academic excellence and resilience.
Robinson’s journey began at Pensacola Junior College in 2008. At the time, she was uncertain of her path and took several breaks before rediscovering her purpose. She eventually completed her associate degree at Pensacola State College in 2017 – a moment she credits as the turning point in her academic and professional life.
“PSC laid the foundation for everything that came after,” she said. “It was where I returned when I needed clarity and direction. It gave me confidence and a sense of belonging at a time when I wasn’t sure what I wanted for myself. The professors and psychology program helped spark my love for psychology and set me on the path toward a meaningful career.”
Robinson went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of West Florida, followed by her graduate degree from Liberty University in 2020.
Since 2017, Robinson has been part of the Navy Federal Credit Union family and currently serves as Director of Business Development on the Academic I/O team. She also mentors students navigating higher education and recently authored a children’s book, The Zipper to My Heart, to help children understand the heart surgery process – a heartfelt project inspired by her own journey.
To those facing uncertainty, Robinson offers this advice:
“Your path doesn’t have to be perfect or linear to be powerful. Pausing, shifting directions, or taking longer than expected is okay – just do not quit. Pensacola State is a place where you can find your rhythm, your passion, and your purpose. You have everything you need inside of you to succeed. Let your story unfold in your own time.”