Robert Morrison was born in Lexington, Texas. Robert and younger brother Levi were reared by and later adopted by their paternal Grandparents, Amos and Ida Morrison, following the death of Robert’s Mother when he was only three years old. Morrison’s grandparents instilled a strong work ethic and even stronger love and fear of the Lord in him.

Morrison hauled hay, watermelons and peanuts throughout Lee, Williamson, Milam and Burleson counties and worked at the Auction Barn in his hometown of Lexington.

South Central Texas provided the backdrop for Morrison’s wholesome, country upbringing. Describing himself in his own words, Morrison said; “I was a cornbread eatin’ buttermilk drinking, barefoot running country boy, who loved and feared the Lord. I carried a 12 – gauge shotgun and rope in my truck, got along with everyone and loved my school mates and small town up bringing.

Robert Morrison attended Lexington ISD where he excelled in his Grandparent’s three “A’s” —Academics, Attendance, Attitude.

Morrison was accepted to Howard Payne University on a athletic scholarship where he graduated in 1982 with a degree in Physical Education with a minor in Social Studies. While at HPU, Morrison was involved with Jackets for Jesus, Ebony Imani and was Captain of the Yellow Jacket Football Team for multiple seasons. Morrison credits Howard Payne University with providing him with a faith-based education, lifetime friends and he has truly given his Time, Talents and Treasures to Howard Payne University.

Upon graduation, Morrison signed with the Seattle Seahawks before sustaining a career-ending injury.

Morrison went on to earn a Master’s of Education degree from Tarleton State University in 1987, Principal Certification and Master’s of Education in Educational Administration from Prairie View A&M University in 1998.

His career in education includes teaching, coaching and administrative positions at several Texas high schools. He began his career as teacher and coach at Bangs High School before becoming a teacher and coach at Westfield High School in Spring, Texas. He then served as assistant and associate principal at Spring High School; assistant and associate principal at Montgomery High School; and principal at Sweeny High School. He eventually retired in June of 2018 as an administrator in the Abilene Independent School District.

Morrison’s professional affiliations include memberships in the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (also past-president), the Texas Association of African-American Principals, the Legislative Committee, the Texas Assistant Principal’s Committee, the Texas High School Coaches Association and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

He has received numerous honors including Teacher of the Year for Bangs High School and the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Assistant Principal of the Year for Region 6 in 2012-2013

Morrison, became the first black principal at Abilene High, a position he held for many years. The staff and students were what made the job rewarding. He states:

“The first thing I do is look for a positive quote and I send it out to our teachers and staff,” Morrison said. “I do that every morning. Then I try to write a note to a teacher — pick a teacher at random or if I saw him do something or I know something’s going on — and I’ll just write a note. And I’ll write one to a student.”

Overall, Morrison has been an assistant principal or principal for 5 schools in his career. After his retirement, he stayed involved in helping teachers and administrators.

Morrison has travelled over 55,000 miles throughout his beloved Texas, visiting schools of every size, socio-economic and diverse makeup. He’s also traveled to many states in the US as an ambassador and advocate for education in his many roles as an educator. He embraced and honored the TASSP moto; Above All, Students First in All We Do

Robert Morrison retired in 2018 after a 36 – year career in public education, during which time he served over 30,000 Students, Staff and Administrations and made a profound and positive impact beyond the school environment, out into the communities in which he lived and worked.

Today, Robert Morrison serves as a member of the Howard Payne University Board of Trustees, continues to be actively involved with the African American Alumni Association and is engaged as Speaker for HPU events and activities as well as other Community activities and organizations around the State.

Thank you, Robert Morrison, for your vision, passion and steadfastness in education. ROC solutes all you’ve accomplished and the work still to be done.