- 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 University 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 for your next job. Even more than all of that, we're your next home. Whether for 4 years, 2 years, or 16 months, we'll be your family. Welcome to Roberts Wesleyan University!

Meet Our Students

Khue Nguyen Headshot

Khue Nguyen’23 (Psychology and Chemistry)

Hi, I’m Khue, but my friends call me Katie. I am a double major in Psychology and Chemistry and I’m hoping to become a mental health professional. The friendships I’ve made here have helped me grow into the person I am today. I can’t wait to bring everything I’ve learned back home to my people in Vietnam. I love how Roberts encourages both social and natural sciences. In psychology, I am learning how to better understand and connect with others. One of my favorite classes has been Psychology and Theology, as it helped me build a strong ethical foundation for my calling as a person. Roberts helps me reach one of my goals of building community relationships. My Track and Field teammates are my support system and I value being a part of something greater than myself.

Brian Ellis Headshot

Brian Ellis’22 (Adolescence and Special Education, M.Ed)

Hi, I’m Brian! Thanks to my graduate degree, I can finally chase my dreams of becoming a teacher. I am currently a teaching assistant at The Norman Howard School here in Rochester and my education at Roberts has been absolutely phenomenal. I want my students to read works that represent them culturally and help them learn how to solve real social problems. As a “career changer” who is leaving behind over a decade of retail leadership, chasing my passion for education has been my dream for many years. I couldn’t have done it without the support and wealth of knowledge from my professors at Roberts. One of my favorite classes was Application of Literacy Theory with Professor Coirazza. The course was engaging and extremely helpful in my current role working with students who have challenges with basic reading and reading comprehension skills.

Kelly Kreider Headshot

Kelly Kreider’22 (Social Work)

Hello! My name is Kelly and I am in the Social Work graduate competion program. As a non-traditional adult student, I came to Roberts with quite a bit of life experience already. However, I feel like there is still so much for me to learn regarding social issues and I have endless opportunities with this program. My ultimate long-term career goal is to work on a macro level advocating for children and helping them break out of generational socioeconomic disparities. Here at Roberts, assignments are extremely relevant to real-life issues and allow me to pursue my passion of being like Jesus in serving the disadvantaged and solving systemic issues in our society. In one of my favorite classes, Social Welfare policy, I had to research a law and submit a letter to a local magazine… and I became published for the first time!

Sergio Rosado Headshot

Sergio Rosado’22 (Strategic Leadership, M.S.)

I’m Sergio and I’m in the Strategic Leadership program. As a Rochester police officer, there are expectations to be a leader and positive role model within the community. I am always looking for ways to build on my skills as a leader. My professors have helped me develop strategies that build a competitive advantage, such as setting a vision for success and embracing the servant leadership mentality. Implementing the leadership knowledge that I have learned at Roberts Wesleyan College builds on the leadership skills I have already attained throughout my life.

Mykenzie Burnett Headshot

Mykenzie Burnett’24 (Education)

I’m Mykenzie and I’ve never been more excited about my academics and athletics at Roberts. I would not trade it for the world and I am so grateful to be a part of the bowling team. Being on such a close-knit team is exactly what I was looking for in college. I love that the Roberts community knows my name and that I am not just a number. As a student in Education, I enjoy being around people who are passionate about the same things as me, like teaching and having a positive impact on children. I’ve already learned how to create lesson plans for my future career!

Quick Facts

total enrolled

1,579

total enrolled

11:1

student to faculty ratio

90+

academic programs

100%

of full-time undergraduate students receive financial aid

Rochester

new york

50+

clubs & organizations

16

master's & doctoral programs

12

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.