Directory Profile

Bio

Professor Roberts’ lifelong fascination with visual communication of all types led him to an award-winning career in local media, and ultimately opened the door to the rewarding realm of higher education at Bluefield University.

After winning a nationwide contest in high school to design the mascot for well-known athletic retailer Eastbay, Roberts was led toward a career in visual communication, obtaining his B.A. in Graphic Design/Advertising from Concord University in 2002, and later his M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University.

A decade-plus career in local media began at the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, where he earned Best Front Page awards for his layout artistry from the West Virginia Press Association in 2007 and 2009.  Nearly seven years at the Telegraph were followed by a multi-year stint at NBC affiliate WVVA-TV where he served as Internet Director and on-air personality, writing and hosting weekly “Web Minute Monday” segments while overseeing the station’s rapid growth in traditional web, social media, and mobile audiences. In 2014, he was awarded Best Use of Digital Media by the West Virginia Broadcasters Association.

During his time in local media, Roberts’ career took an unexpected turn when he accepted a part-time role as an adjunct instructor of Graphic Communication at Bluefield University. In doing so, he discovered a passion for working with students that he had not considered before. In 2014, when the opportunity arose to join the BU family full time, Roberts did not hesitate to accept the new adventure.

Roberts is currently chair of the Department of Graphic Communication and teaches courses such as Photoshop/Illustrator, InDesign, Typography, Video Storytelling, Photography, User Experience Web Design, Designing for Graphic Customers, 3D Printing, and others. He strives to give each Graphic Communication student the individual attention they need to be successful on their journeys into this ever-evolving field.