CARD: Center for Agricultural and Rural Development

Jess Robinson, manager of computer services, has been working to keep CARD’s computer resources at the cutting edge of technology for over two decades. A native Texan, Robinson came to Iowa State after receiving his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Texas Tech. He was initially hired by the Department of Economics as an extension associate/instructor for Farm Management Extension. He came to CARD in 1984 to do computer and programming support for the research arm that would become FAPRI. He was promoted to computer support manager in 1987 when the MATRIC project brought mainframe and networked computing systems to CARD.

Robinson’s main responsibilities are to maintain current operating systems and applications, provide system security in the face of mounting Internet/network attacks from viruses and spam, and prepare for the continuing changes in computing at CARD. In computing, he says, “you are never done learning and trying new things.” Robinson says he appreciates the great staff in CARD and Economics and the work the researchers do, with direct input into the policymaking process on many levels.

Robinson met his wife, Stacy, while he was interning with the USDA - Statistical Research Service in Louisiana. They have five sons and one daughter, three currently in college and one still at home. Robinson spends his free time engaged in family, church, and school activities and as a scout leader.