Heather Moore Roberson

Heather Moore Roberson is Associate Professor of Community & Justice Studies and Black Studies at Allegheny College, where she also serves as Dean of Student and Community Development. She is a tenured faculty member and the first Black woman in the college's history to achieve tenure.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s in Educational Studies, Trinity College
• Bachelor’s in American Studies, Trinity College
• M.A. in American Studies, Purdue University
• Ph.D. in American Studies, Purdue University (2015)

Dr. Roberson's research centers on race, equity, and justice in higher education, with a focus on Black youth masculinity, pop culture, and culturally relevant pedagogy. Her interdisciplinary work bridges Black Studies, education, and community development. She has published extensively on diversity, equity, and inclusion, contributing to national dialogues through journals like Academic Leader and presentations at conferences hosted by the Council of Independent Colleges and Leadership in Higher Education.

Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary scholarship, particularly in Black education, social justice, and institutional equity. The 2024 edited volume Thinking about Black Education, which won the Society of Professors of Education Outstanding Book Award, exemplifies her leadership in advancing critical discourse in education.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Thoburn Award for Teaching Excellence
• Society of Professors of Education Outstanding Book Award (2024)
• Top 100 Black Trailblazers in Pennsylvania, City & State Magazine (2024)

Dr. Roberson has led major institutional initiatives in faculty diversity and inclusion, having served as Director of Faculty Diversity and Inclusion (2021–2022). She continues to mentor students and advise on equity-focused programs. Her leadership is supported by internal and external grants focused on inclusive excellence, though specific grant names are not listed. She remains an active teacher, offering courses on race, identity, and education in the United States.

She is actively involved in shaping institutional culture through her dual roles in academic leadership and community development, working closely with student affairs, faculty, and external partners to foster a more equitable campus environment.