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Roberts was nominated by FPU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Alison R. Noble, Ph.D. 

“Laura’s commitment to faculty development, thoughtful scholarship and student formation make her an excellent fit for this opportunity,” Noble said. “Her leadership reflects �㽶��Ƶ���� Pacific’s mission, and I look forward to the ways this experience will animate her work with our campus.”

The seminar brings together leaders from colleges and universities to explore their vocational path, as well as how vocational exploration and discernment can play an increased role at their institutions.

Roberts considers it an honor to have been selected for this seminar. “I see it as both affirming the work I'm doing and providing an opportunity to learn from and with others doing similar work elsewhere,” she said.

The seminar’s theme, “Institutional Leadership for Vocation,” connects closely with Roberts’ work at �㽶��Ƶ���� Pacific.

“Larger questions of purpose and calling are central to the work I do directing faculty development and general education,” she said. 

“I feel called to this work of providing faculty opportunities for professional development and support for teaching, scholarship and thoughtful reflection on the relationship between faith, teaching and learning.”

Questions of purpose and calling also extend to students. “We want to foster opportunities for students to reflect on their own purpose as well,” she said. “Who are they called to be and become? What are they called to do?”

Roberts looks forward to time with colleagues from other institutions as well as time for reflection. 

“I’m looking forward to building relationships with new colleagues and having time and space to consider concretely what it means to lead from a sense of my own calling,” she said. “I also want to continue fostering exploration of calling among faculty, staff, administrators and students at FPU in light of the university’s mission.”

Roberts said �㽶��Ƶ���� Pacific’s unique mission and context shape the university’s approach to vocation and service.

“We’re called to serve our current students and the wider �㽶��Ƶ���� and Central Valley community well,” she said. “The university does that best with a clear sense of its own calling and a campus culture permeated with vocational exploration, discernment and storytelling.”