IUN leader turns from medical career to educating next generation
Cynthia Roberts has always had a thirst for knowledge.
That drive to learn more has led to two big titles at Indiana University Northwest: interim executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and the dean of the School of Business and Economics.
With a doctorate in hand, Roberts has taken her smarts to the next level.
“I’m a first-generation student,” Roberts said. No one else in her family had gone to college. All hopes were pinned on her graduating — and then some.
Roberts is acutely aware of falling in love with studying.
She first earned a bachelor of science in medical technology at Northern Illinois University. She also earned a specialist in blood banking certification at the former Michael Reese Medical Center in Chicago.
She began her career as a clinical laboratory program director in Michigan City but then changed careers from her original focus on the medical field.
“We are typically very good in our clinical area but don’t necessarily have the skill set or experience when we have to step up and manage,” Roberts said. “It was a steep learning curve for me, and I changed my focus to help others develop as leaders.”
She then founded Strategic Learning Partners Inc., a consulting practice dedicated to improving the effectiveness of leadership through staff and systems development.
That mindset led to two master’s degrees from Loyola University in training and development, and organization development. Then she earned a doctorate in organization development from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois.
Roberts is using those advanced degrees in organization development to educate the next generation. But, she said, the two careers, medical and educational, have proven to have the same roots.
“It kind of connects, as both rely on processes that try to improve health — one human and one organizational,” she said.
But she didn’t just go from one career to the next. “There was a break in between each level where I thought about which direction to go,” Roberts said.
Her background in learning might be extensive, but she also has a reputation for being relatable and always taking the time to help her students with a humble, yet wry, sense of humor.
IUN staff members say they are lucky to work with her.
“Her quality stands out in her leadership,” said Micah Pollak, associate dean of the IUN School of Business and Economics.
Roberts does everything she can to support her team and make sure they succeed, he said. •
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