Roberts succeeds Dr. Christine Lynn, who helped build the program during her tenure at Catawba and has since joined the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce as their President and CEO. Since welcoming its first cohort of eight students, the program has grown into a four-year experience serving more than 40 Fellows and providing opportunities for leadership development, mentoring, community service, professional development, travel, and career-connected learning.
“Christine built an extraordinary foundation for the Tom Smith Business Fellows, and Ross is exceptionally well positioned to carry that work forward,” said Imran Chowdhury, Dean of the Ralph W. Ketner School of Business. “He brings significant experience as a teacher, mentor, academic leader, and business professional, along with a genuine commitment to helping students develop into thoughtful and ethical business leaders.”
Roberts joined Catawba after more than a decade at High Point University, where he served as Chair of Accounting and Finance, MBA Program Director, and tenured Associate Professor of Accounting. He earned his Ph.D. in Accounting from Drexel University, an M.S. in Accounting from the University of Delaware, and a B.S. in Accounting, summa cum laude, from North Carolina A&T State University. He is also a Certified Management Accountant with professional experience in corporate accounting and financial management at DuPont.
As Director, Roberts will lead the Fellows’ four-year developmental experience, working closely with students, faculty, alumni, employers, mentors, and community partners. Through individualized mentoring, leadership and professional development, community service, networking, experiential learning, and travel, Fellows build skills and relationships that prepare them for meaningful careers and lives of leadership and service.
The Tom Smith Business Fellows Program honors the legacy of the late Tom Smith ’64, former CEO of Food Lion and Chair of Catawba College’s Board of Trustees. The program gives high-potential Catawba business students opportunities to develop their talents, broaden their experiences, and prepare to lead with purpose.
“I am excited to take on this role and work closely with our Fellows as they grow academically, professionally, and personally,” Roberts said. “The Tom Smith Business Fellows Program gives students opportunities to build relationships, develop as leaders, serve their communities, and connect classroom learning with experiences that can shape their careers and their lives.”
