January 29, 2009 — The University of Virginia today named Greg W. Roberts dean of admission, effective immediately.
Roberts joined the University's admission staff as an associate dean in August 2003 and was named senior associate dean in May. He played a critical role in leading the office during the illness of Dean John A. Blackburn, who died Jan. 20.
"Greg Roberts learned his profession from the best," University President John T. Casteen III said. "He is seasoned, thoughtful, respected by colleagues here and nationally — a logical choice who will lead the Office of Admission effectively now and well into the future."
Blackburn, who had planned to retire in June, supported Roberts' candidacy in a letter to the search committee: "This position carries with it a fair amount of stress and it requires that the person in the position be able to handle the pressures and still maintain a positive attitude. It requires flexibility and a clear sense of University priorities. All of us know that the University of Virginia is unique among American universities, and I think understanding what is unique about it is essential if one is to be successful in this role. Greg's six years as my associate dean have prepared him to take on this role."
Roberts said he is deeply honored to have been selected. "I look forward to building on Dean Blackburn's tremendous legacy, particularly in the areas of diversity and access. Jack was an inspiring leader and a dear friend, and I feel privileged to carry on the work that he performed with such thoughtfulness and grace."
"Greg brings a deep and personal knowledge of the University and will carry the standard of the great admission deans that have preceded him," said Dr. Arthur Garson Jr., the University's executive vice president and provost, to whom Roberts will report.
As senior associate dean, Roberts helped the University make its transition to a paperless application process and oversaw its participation in the Common Application, which began last fall. He also co-wrote the first guaranteed admission agreement between the University and the Virginia Community College System.
"I am thankful to be surrounded by a talented and dedicated staff. We take our mission seriously, and in a time of economic difficulty and intense competition, we remain committed to identifying and enrolling the best and brightest students from the commonwealth and around the world," Roberts said. "I am eager to hear from and work with all members of the University community as we move forward in building the next great class at U.Va."
Before coming to the University, Roberts served from 1999 to 2003 as associate director of admission at Georgetown University. From 1994 to 1999, he held admissions and financial aid positions at Emory University
Roberts holds a B.A. in history and a master's degree in education from Wake Forest University.
He lives in Charlottesville with his wife, Mary, and their 5-year-old son, Luke.
Roberts joined the University's admission staff as an associate dean in August 2003 and was named senior associate dean in May. He played a critical role in leading the office during the illness of Dean John A. Blackburn, who died Jan. 20.
"Greg Roberts learned his profession from the best," University President John T. Casteen III said. "He is seasoned, thoughtful, respected by colleagues here and nationally — a logical choice who will lead the Office of Admission effectively now and well into the future."
Blackburn, who had planned to retire in June, supported Roberts' candidacy in a letter to the search committee: "This position carries with it a fair amount of stress and it requires that the person in the position be able to handle the pressures and still maintain a positive attitude. It requires flexibility and a clear sense of University priorities. All of us know that the University of Virginia is unique among American universities, and I think understanding what is unique about it is essential if one is to be successful in this role. Greg's six years as my associate dean have prepared him to take on this role."
Roberts said he is deeply honored to have been selected. "I look forward to building on Dean Blackburn's tremendous legacy, particularly in the areas of diversity and access. Jack was an inspiring leader and a dear friend, and I feel privileged to carry on the work that he performed with such thoughtfulness and grace."
"Greg brings a deep and personal knowledge of the University and will carry the standard of the great admission deans that have preceded him," said Dr. Arthur Garson Jr., the University's executive vice president and provost, to whom Roberts will report.
As senior associate dean, Roberts helped the University make its transition to a paperless application process and oversaw its participation in the Common Application, which began last fall. He also co-wrote the first guaranteed admission agreement between the University and the Virginia Community College System.
"I am thankful to be surrounded by a talented and dedicated staff. We take our mission seriously, and in a time of economic difficulty and intense competition, we remain committed to identifying and enrolling the best and brightest students from the commonwealth and around the world," Roberts said. "I am eager to hear from and work with all members of the University community as we move forward in building the next great class at U.Va."
Before coming to the University, Roberts served from 1999 to 2003 as associate director of admission at Georgetown University. From 1994 to 1999, he held admissions and financial aid positions at Emory University
Roberts holds a B.A. in history and a master's degree in education from Wake Forest University.
He lives in Charlottesville with his wife, Mary, and their 5-year-old son, Luke.
— By Dan Heuchert
Media Contact
Article Information
January 29, 2009
/content/university-virginia-appoints-greg-w-roberts-dean-admission