- About

Education for Character since 1866

Who Are We?

We're a group of scholars, dedicated to service and spiritual formation at a Christ-centered College anchored in liberal arts. We're a place students can wrestle with hard questions and still feel safe. We're a foundation for your career. We're the catalyst to your next job. We're starting off the 2020 academic year with the largest (and most diverse) freshman class since 2015. Even more than all of that, we're your next home. Whether it be for 4 years, 2 years, or 16 months, we'll be your family. Welcome to Roberts!

Meet Our Students

Sam Johnsen, Adolescent Math Education, ‘18

Samantha Johnsen is a senior Adolescent Math Education major who has had the passion to teach since she was in 8^th grade. She had the opportunity to travel to Ecuador last semester and student teach for about two months. Down in Ecuador she learned not only how to teach kids from a different culture, but how different cultures learn in different environments, “it is valuable to learn how to interact with a new culture.” This experience will ultimately help her because she will be joining the Peace Corps after graduation and leaving for Ghana to teach math at the end of May. She strongly believes that one way to break the cycle of poverty is through education, this was her deciding factor in choosing the Peace Corps as the organization to go through.

student stories

Malik Dare, Business Administration, '18

Malik Dare is a senior student who shows tremendous amounts of integrity and dedication to his business courses and basketball team. He was awarded the Business Ethics Scholarship from the Rochester Area Business Ethics Foundation. Malik felt a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude as a recipient of this scholarship and being recognized for the achievement from the foundation. Malik has enjoyed getting to know coaches, faculty, staff and students on a personal level. The courses and internships have provided him with a better understanding of what it takes to be a successful leader and entrepreneur. His future career goal is to be the CEO of his own company, which provides families and students with education and career opportunities that are less fortunate. Malik is a strong student that shows his tremendous work ethic in class and on the court.

student stories

Ally Piazza, Communication (Business Concentration) '19

Ally Piazza is a dedicated Communications major, with a concentration in Business. She enjoys learning in her communications classes as well as learning in her Advertising class. Last semester Ally experienced the semester of a life time. She participated in the Disney College Program. Ally not only worked at Disney, but took classes in the field of PR as well. She is very passionate about making others happy and making a difference in the lives of those around her. At the store she worked in at Disney, her passion came true; “The fact that for a split second I could bring that boy so much joy by giving him a pin is an example of making a difference for others.”

student stories

Benjamin Consler, Criminal Justice '18

Benjamin Consler is a hard working student that is a part of the Homeland Security program. This past summer he had the experience of interning with the Greece Police Department; there Benjamin was working as a crime analyst. He enjoyed the hands on experience he received at the department; it entailed reading through reports, looking for trends and patterns or officer safety. Benjamin likes to spend time in the Golisano Library, his favorite course is Special Topics about Terrorism, and his ultimate goal for the future is to be a special agent with the FBI.

student stories

Davon "DJ" Jackson, Business Administration '17

From basketball to “hitting the books,” Davon Jackson is a student of character who has taken advantage of the opportunities that Roberts offers both academically and athletically. Learning experiences such as Professor Carrie Starr’s many class activities and group projects have challenged him and his fellow students to create a better campus community as well as to make a difference in the Greater Rochester area. Besides basketball, Jackson is the student advisory athletic committee president, works with BELL students, and helps in the business department. At Roberts, Jackson has gained a better understanding of God's goals and expectations for his life

student stories

Allison Denny, Biochemistry '19

I am a biochemistry major at Roberts. I am learning a lot from my classes and hope to become a doctor or researcher. At Roberts, I am surrounded by professors who help me learn and who strengthen my faith and my love for God. I feel as though I can be myself while still discovering who I really am. Being from New Mexico, I just can’t go home like my friends during breaks. My friends are genuine people and have opened their homes to me, which makes me feel like I belong in Rochester at Roberts. I also learned to be more independent, resourceful and confident. My favorite class so far was first year seminar. In this class, we discussed freedom in Rochester and around the world and I found the topics that very intriguing.

student stories

Angella Watson, R.N. to B.S. '17

It was a good time in my career and personal life to pursue my R.N. to B.S. degree. I have worked 15 years at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital and I am currently a certified endoscopy nurse. Roberts made it easy to choose this program – it was a very organized process and I liked that it catered to adults. I also appreciated receiving credit for my life and work experiences, which was a benefit to starting this program. The transition from day-to-day nursing to being a student in the R.N. to B.S. program was easier than I thought – I look forward to my classes! I am also looking forward to the future benefits to my career and professional advancement. At Roberts I am discovering my best self!

student stories

Kristina Button, Communications '19

I am a second generation Roberts student, both my parents graduated from here in 1989. Growing up I always thought about going to Roberts and in my college search I visited both Christian and secular institutions. I felt like I belonged at Roberts because of the genuine students and professors. They were caring and welcoming. I am studying Communications for a future career in community relations. Being able to play NCAA DII athletics was also very important to me – as I play not only volleyball but also am a sprinter for the track & field team. I feel I am benefitting from faculty and coaches who are accessible and supportive. And I'm making friends for life too! At Roberts I am discovering my best self by growing personally, striving athletically and advancing academically.

student stories

Nicole Mathis, O.M. '14, Initial Childhood and Special Education '15

I completed my bachelor’s at Roberts in the Organizational Management program. After completing that degree, I felt I was better prepared for lifelong learning, and I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students; so I decided to pursue my teaching degree. My student teaching experience was rewarding, and is where I realized that the Roberts' foundational assumptions of scholarship, spiritual formation, and service were the core of my desire to be a teacher. At Roberts I am discovering my best self through meeting the needs of the diverse student body of the Rochester City School District.

student stories

Bryan Milne, Strategic Leadership '16

I received my undergraduate degree from Roberts in Criminal Justice. As an undergraduate student, I was an intern with the Gates Police Department and from that internship, I was hired to work in Wegmans Corporate Asset Protection. After working for four years, I had a good foundation of work experience; however, I wanted to get my master’s degree to enable my career preparation and advancement. After learning about the Masters in Strategic Leadership (MSL) program I knew that was the right graduate degree for me because of the leadership skills I would learn and the face to face interactions in the classroom. I have a goal to advance within Wegmans; therefore a master’s degree helps me to achieve my professional objectives and to achieve my full potential. In the MSL program, assignments and projects provide not only the knowledge but also the “hands-on” experience – which is really important. I am able to put what I am learning into practice in my role as Communications Center Operator. At Roberts, I am discovering my best self through gaining confidence in the classroom that is carrying over to my professional life and career.

student stories

Taylor Bynoe, Sports Management ‘19

Taylor Bynoe is a junior Sports Management major from New Jersey. She is a natural leader, and the captain of the girls basketball team, who plays for the name on the front of her jersey; not the number on the back. Taylor is an approachable down to earth student whose dream it is to be an athletic director of a high school. Taylor had a chance to sit down with Bob Segave, athletic director of Roberts, to learn more about what the job entails which has helped her shape her career path. As a student-athlete, she loves when President Porterfield comes to the games to show her support -- the president is a HUGE fan of athletics which means a lot to the students!

Quick Facts

total enrolled

1,726

total enrolled

13:1

student to faculty ratio

80+

academic programs

98%

of the undergrad student body receives financial aid

Rochester

new york

50+

clubs & organizations

15

graduate programs

17

online programs

leadership

Visitor Information

leadership

Leadership

campus map

CAMPUS MAP (pdf)

leadership

History

1866

Chili Seminary

Established by Benjamin T. Roberts & opened in 1869

1885

Chesbro Seminary

The school was renamed A.M. Chesbrough Seminary

1893

B.T. Roberts Memorial Hall

Named in honor of B.T. Roberts and currently the home of Northeastern Seminary.

1893

Cox Hall

Named in honor of businessman Edward Cox. First public event held in Cox Hall was the funeral of B.T. Roberts in February 1893.

1921

President George W. Garlock

Served as President of Roberts & Seminary from 1921-1930

1926

The Arch

is gifted by the class of 1926

1933

President Merlin G. Smith

Served as President of Roberts & Seminary from 1933-1957

1935

Carpenter Hall

Named in honor of Adella P. Carpenter. A four story, 36,000 square foot building built in 1935 and updated in every way, now with geothermal energy system

1945

Roberts Junior College

The school was renamed Roberts Junior College

1949

Roberts Wesleyan College

A charter is obtained to provide a four-year curriculum and another name change to Roberts Wesleyan College

1962

DeBarr Residence

Named in honor of Anna & Duran DeBarr (Uncle Buck), Dir. Of Campus Services, bookstore, and College bus driver, 1971-1992.

1962

Mohnkern Residence

Named in honor of Donald Mohnkern, Registrar 1960-1992.

1962

Morrow Residence

Named in honor of Jean & Dave Morrow, Dir. Of Admissions & Dean of Students 1967-1982

1962

Sittig Residence

Named in honor of William Sittig, Chairman of Board of Trustees, and Ruth McIntyre Sittig, professor 1949-1983

1962

Whittingham Residence

Named in honor of Dorothy Whittingham, chair of Nursing Division, professor 1954-1986

1964

Hasting Center for Academics

Named in honor of Bob & Mary Hastings, friends of the college.

1964

Anderson Residence

Named in honor of Harry F. Anderson, professor and beloved coach, 1933-1976

1964

Magill Residence

Named in honor of Stanley R. Magill, professor 1947-1985.

1964

O'Brien Residence

Named in honor of John D. O'Brien, faculty 1931-1969

1964

Updyke Residence

Named in honor of Howard E. and Cora Updyke, literature professors, Academic Dean 1934-1969

1965

Presidents's Home

Current home built in 1965 under President Ellwood(Woody) & Beth Voller.

1965

Beeson Hall Residence

Named in honor of Lillian & J. Eslie Beeson, professor 1926-1967

1968

Miner Hall

Named in honor Burdette N. Miner, Chairman of Board of Trustees 1930's.

1968

Garlock Commons

Named in honor of President George W. Garlock. The Ellen Stowe Roberts dining room, named to honor the wife of B.T. Roberts is located within the commons.

1968

Smith Science Center

Named in honor of President Merlin G. Smith

1981

President William C. Crothers

Served as President of Roberts & Seminary from 1981-2002

1987

Voller Athletic Center

Named in honor of Ellwood A. Voller, President 1957-1968

1989

Dr. William Franklin "Billy" Graham, Jr.

Honorary Alumus

1990

U.S. Ambassador Kirk Wagar '90

United States Ambassador to Singapore

1992

Master's of Education degree

Master's level programs introduced, starting with Med

1996

Howard Stowe Roberts Cultural Life Center

Named in honor of Howard S. Roberts, great-grandson of B.T. & Ellen Roberts; decorated naval officer.

1996

Adams Residence

Named in honor of Jean & Paul L. Adams, President 1974-1981

1996

Dailey Residence

Named in honor of Florence & Alton Dailey, alumni Class of '23, business manager, trustee, and benefactors

1998

Northeastern Seminary

NES is chartered to provide theological education at Roberts Wesleyan College

2000

SIFE

Roberts Wesleyan College chapter of Students in Free Enterprise was formed

2001

September 11

Roberts responds to September 11 inside and outside classrooms to issue disaster relief

2001

Rinker Community Service Center

Named in honor of David & Leighan Roberts Rinker, a 5th generation decendent granddaughter of B.T. & Ellen Stowe Roberts; both trustees of the college.