Sam Roberts

Professor of Religion, Chairman of the Department of Religion and Philosophy and Associate Dean of the Humanities

Since 1986

Background: A native of West Virginia, he earned a bachelor's degree from West Virginia Wesleyan and went on to attend Yale University Divinity School where he earned his master's degree in divinity and then on to Drew University where he received a master's degree in philosophy and a doctorate in religious studies.

Fun fact: Roberts is married to Dr. Stella Millett Roberts, who is also a pastor. He enjoys fishing, model railroading, his two Airstream travel trailers, and spending time with his dogs.

There are 16 people in this class he tells me before he starts. He counts. Not all 16 are here. As he scans the half-filled seats in the tiered room, he catches up with the students. He asks each how he or she is doing, and follows up on major or minor events in their lives. After all of the informalities have been covered and everyone is comfortable, he begins his lecture.

His appearance is the same most days – round-framed glasses, plaid shirt, tie, jeans and Birkenstock shoes. He is traditional Southerner and his accent is apparent.

The students are engaged by questioning and the frequent outbursts that often bring the students to an audible laughter. He gets the point across and it is obvious that the students are learning in an environment that is enjoyable to most, if not all, of them. He just hopes he is making a difference, teaching them in a fashion that makes them want to learn more about themselves and makes them aware of the opportunities that surround them.

"When the lights come on and there is the realization of growth and you're a part of that, it's important. It's important not only for them, but for you as their teacher," said The Reverend Dr. Sam Roberts III.

Roberts came to TWC in 1986 after following his heart and his interests, which led him to focus on the humanities, specifically religion.

With a bachelor's degree from West Virginia Wesleyan, Roberts went on to attend Yale University Divinity School where he earned his master's degree in divinity and then on to Drew University where he received a master's degree in philosophy and a doctorate in religious studies.

In his first year at TWC, Roberts served as chaplain and a part-time religion instructor. Since then the religion department at TWC has grown and now offers students the opportunity to major in church vocations or pre-seminary. The Department is continually seeing gradual growth and the number of courses offered have increased with the addition of adjunct faculty.

Roberts is currently a full-time professor and teaches religion and philosophy classes. He is also a faculty sponsor for the college's trip to England, which tours historic Wesley Heritage sites, and is open to faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of TWC.

In each of his classes, Roberts teaches his students to be true to themselves and to grow into their faith.

"I try to challenge them to be understanding of what constitutes their faith. To own their faith," said Roberts. "To not just accept it because it has been handed down from generation to generation in their family."

Roberts not only takes part of the lives of his students inside the classroom, but also outside the classroom.

"I care about them, and I have and will do an awful lot to help them if they need me and if I can be of assistance," said Roberts. "I've visited them in the hospital. I've gone to their funerals. I've been present at their babies' baptisms and their weddings. I've baptized some of them right here in the little chapel next door. Those are high moments, too, but the highest moment is when you have a personal investment and they let you share in that."

Students invite Roberts to be a part of these events because of his encouragement and his faith.

"Sam Roberts is a large part of the reason I came to and stayed at Tennessee Wesleyan College. Dr. Roberts continuously challenged me in and out of class to examine who I am and who I want to become. He demonstrates daily what it means to live out our faith in a tangible way. His commitment to the students, faculty and staff of TWC exemplify what is best about this amazing family that is Tennessee Wesleyan College," said Anna Lee '05, former student of Roberts' and current director of residence life and family relations at TWC.

Roberts believes TWC is defined by its sense of community. "We are small enough that we do get involved in our students lives. The business of being a community...we do that extraordinarily well," he said.

When Roberts is asked why he has chosen to stay with TWC for 21 years, his response is "I think it has been a good fit. I feel like I can speak to the students in a meaningful way and I have a greater potential to affect their learning in a real sense, not in terms of the content of the courses. It's not only that you teach a subject, you're here to live the faith and you can do that here and you are encouraged to do that here."