Dr. Ben A. Roberts, who served the University of Liberia (UL) as its 11th President from 1999 to 2003, according to family sources, passed away on May 21, 2020. This sad event occurred at 10 p.m. in Rockville, Maryland, in the United States of America.
Upon hearing the news of the passing of Dr. Roberts, UL President Rev. Dr. Julius Sarwolo Nelson Sr. appointed a five-member committee to liaise with the family for an official UL Celebration of Life ceremony in honor of the fallen president.
Prior to Dr. Roberts’ appointment as president, he served the University as an assistant professor and chairman of the Department of Geography.
He is a 1969 valedictorian graduate of the Kakata Rural Teacher Training Institute (KRTTI), subsequently graduating from the University of Liberia with a BA in Geography. Dr. Roberts received a Master of Science in Economics and a Ph.D. in Geography from California State University and Arizona State University, respectively.
Due to restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Roberts will be buried in Maryland, USA, at a private ceremony expected to take place on Friday, June 5, 2020.
Additional information regarding his interment and how the University intends to pay tribute will be communicated subsequently. The University of Liberia extends sincere condolences to his family.