Installation Date for President Roberts Announced At Auburn University Board of Trustees
Auburn University’s Board of Trustees announced today that the formal installation of Auburn’s 21st president, Christopher B. Roberts, will take place at 3 p.m. CST on April 13, 2023.
Roberts, the former dean of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, began serving in the role of president on May 16, 2022, following the unanimous approval of the Board of Trustees and the retirement of his predecessor, Jay Gogue. The installation ceremony is a time-honored academic tradition in which Roberts will be ceremoniously recognized with the powers and responsibilities of office that were bestowed upon him as Auburn University’s 21st president by the Board of Trustees. Roberts will share his vision and aspirations for the university while also recognizing its great past and present accomplishments.
The installation will be held at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, where seating will be open to the campus and surrounding community on a first-come, first-served basis. All attendees must register in advance. Registration opens on March 13. Tickets (required for entry) will be emailed the week of April 3. The Auburn Family is also invited to watch the proceeding virtually via a live broadcast that will be made available that day at aub.ie/Roberts21. As more details become available involving the installation and other related events, they will be shared on the installation website.
“The installation of President Roberts reaffirms the great work he has already forged at Auburn and sets the path ahead for his strong and thoughtful leadership that will continue to enhance Auburn’s visibility and impact for the 21st century,” said Board of Trustees President Pro Tempore Bob Dumas.
Roberts earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Missouri in 1990 and master’s and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1992 and 1994, respectively. He began his career at Auburn in 1994 as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and became department chair in 2003. He was named dean of engineering in July 2012. Roberts and his wife, Tracy, have two children, both having graduated from Auburn High School and attended Auburn University.
As president, Roberts has vowed his commitment to instilling a campus climate in which all are welcomed, valued, respected and engaged. He also is focused on advancing a transformative student-centered experience that is the best in the nation. Similarly, Roberts is devoted to supporting a highly talented, innovative and motivated faculty and staff.