Arthur J. Roberts

Arthur Jeremiah Roberts (October 11, 1867 – 1929) was the 14th President of Colby College, Maine, United States from 1908–1927, notable for being the first non-preacher president of the school. He guided the college through its first centennial celebration and World War I.[1]

For the cardiac surgeon and American football player, see Archie Roberts (American football).
Arthur J. Roberts
14th President of Colby College
In office
1908–1927
Preceded byCharles Lincoln White
Succeeded byFranklin W. Johnson
Personal details
Born(1867-10-11)October 11, 1867
Waterboro, Maine
Died1929
Spouse(s)Ada Louise Peabody
Alma materColby College, Harvard University

Early life

Roberts was born in Waterboro, Maine, to Albert and Evelyn Roberts. He was educated at Alfred High School in Alfred, Maine, and Limerick Academy in Limerick, Maine, before attending Colby College in the fall of 1886 along with a class of 32 other students.[2]

Career

Upon graduating in 1890, Colby College elected him the assistant professor of rhetoric.[3] In 1894 he was promoted to professor of English. In 1895, he married Ms. Ada Louise Peabody. In 1900, he studied one year at Harvard University and received a master's degree.[2]

Presidency

In 1908, he was promoted to president. During his presidency, two new dormitories were constructed, in 1912 and 1915. He led the Centennial Fund, which by 1920 had raised $450,000 in pledges and an additional $125,000 from the General Education Board, for which Roberts had specially applied. His term also saw the creation and dissolution of the Students Army Training Corps at Colby in conjunction with World War I. While at Colby, he was elected as a director of the Maine Central Railroad Company.[3] He was known alternatively as "Old Rob" and "Prexy Roberts".

Published works
  • Footprints, Published by Colby College in 1928

References
  1. Mayflower Hill: A History of Colby College. Earl Smith, University Press of New England, 2006. P 32
  2. "Dr. Arthur Jeremiah Roberts, President of Colby College since 1908". Lewiston Evening Journal. Jun 25, 1920. Retrieved 2013-06-25.
  3. Soule, Bertha Louise, "Colby's President Roberts" (1943). Colby e-Books. Book 2
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