Robert Laws FRGS FRSGS (1851–1934) was a Scottish missionary who headed the Livingstonia mission in the Nyasaland Protectorate (now Malawi) for more than 50 years.
It emphasized skills with which the pupils could become self-sufficient in trade, agriculture or industry as opposed to working as subordinates to European settlers.
Dr Laws was of the view that basic education alone was not sufficient to stir socioeconomic development of the people in Africa.
The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian Synod Livingstonia has over the years carried on the vision and aspirations of Dr Laws, in the provision of education, health and other social services to the people of Malawi and beyond its borders.
Former Centralia College President Henry Kirk, a retired educator with 42 years of experience, was the first vice chancellor of the school.