Robert Shaw Wilkinson (born 18 February 1865) was an educator and the second president of South Carolina State University.

[1] In 1884, Wilkinson received an appointment at West Point Military Academy, but did not attend because he failed to pass the physical requirements.

In 1891, Wilkinson joined the Kentucky State University faculty, teaching Latin, Greek, and political science.

[2] In 1886, he was one of the first faculty members to join South Carolina State University (SCSU), where he taught mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

[3] During his time as president, he instituted a building program in collaboration with Clemson University and Clafin College, as well as creating a State Teacher Summer School.