Corbin Robertson Honored with Nance-Millett Free Enterprise Award
Given to the Fraternity in 1980 by Brothers James J. Nance, Ohio Wesleyan 1923, and Dr. John D. Millett, DePauw ’33, the Nance-Millett Free Enterprise Award recognizes a Phi who has made an outstanding contribution to the free enterprise system. This year, Phi Delta Theta recognized former CEO of GP Natural Resource Partners LLC Brother Corbin “Corby” Robertson Jr., UT Austin ‘69, as the 2025 recipient of the Nance-Millett Award.
Corby was initiated into Phi Delta Theta on March 26, 1966, by the Texas Beta Chapter at the University of Texas at Austin. A proud alumnus, he earned a bachelor of business administration through the university’s business honors program.
Corby is a renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and leader in the natural resources sector. He serves as the chief executive officer and chairman of Natural Resource Partners L.P., a master limited partnership that owns and manages coal, aggregate, and industrial mineral reserves throughout the United States. Through his leadership, the company has remained a dominant force in energy and mineral investment for decades.
In addition to his work with Natural Resource Partners L.P., Brother Robertson has played a guiding role in several resource-focused organizations, including serving as CEO of Quintana Minerals Corporation and directing Great Northern Properties and Western Pocahontas Properties. His business acumen has helped steward responsible management of over 14 million acres of mineral rights, contributing greatly to the energy industry and economic landscape.
Brother Robertson’s passion for people and education is equally remarkable. He is chairman of the Cullen Trust for Higher Education and has been a key supporter of institutions such as Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Houston, and his alma mater, the University of Texas. Alongside his wife Barbara, he founded the Barbara and Corbin J. Robertson Jr. Presidential Award for Excellence in Education, recognizing and uplifting faculty who demonstrate a transformative impact on student lives.
Brother Robertson has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Texas and the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Houston chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Yet those who know him best describe him as humble, generous, and deeply committed to building a better future through the values of free enterprise, education, and service.
In 2025, Robertson was honored with induction into the Phi Delta Theta Sports Hall of Fame, joining his lifelong friend and business partner, Chris Gilbert, UT Austin ’69, in recognition of Robertson’s lasting impact on the worlds of football and golf.
For his decades of innovation, leadership, and generosity—both in the boardroom and beyond—Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity is proud to honor Corby Robertson Jr. with the 2025 Nance-Millett Free Enterprise Award.
