Get to Know
Name: Len Roberson
Department: Exceptional Student and Deaf Education
Job: Department Chair
Years at UNF: 10
Tell us about your family:
My family is the joy of my life! I have a beautiful bride, Meiching, of 15 years, who is an amazing person, and seven wonderful children. I have four girls (Sarah, Leiah, Meiah, and Bekah) and three boys (Jonah, Micah, Josiah) from ages 5-13. Two of my children are deaf and everyone uses American Sign Language. Everyone always asks if seven is enough, and we always answer; “Only time will tell!”
If you could choose any other career, what would it be and why?
I’d love to be a stay-at-home dad to give my family more of me!
What would you like to do when you retire?
Spend every moment with my wife, be able to see my children and grandchildren and maybe do some traveling.
What is your favorite thing about working at UNF?
I very much enjoy having a part in preparing the teachers and interpreters of tomorrow. Seeing our graduates go out and succeed as teachers and knowing that I had a small part in that is just an excellent thing.
What is the best thing you ever won?
My wife’s heart and love!
If you won the lottery, what would do with the money?
Pay off any debt, start a charter school for deaf children here in Jacksonville and start college funds for the kids.
If you were not working at UNF, what would you be doing?
Being a full-time dad, but if I had to work, I’d probably be a sign language interpreter as I have national certification as an interpreter and do consulting and training work in the area of education.
What was the best money you ever spent?
I took my wife on a cruise a few years ago, just her and I. It was wonderful!
What is the proudest/happiest moment of your life?
Definitely April 3, 1993 when I married my wife! I’m just too blessed!
Tell us something that would surprise people to know about you:
I served as a missionary in Australia with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF).
What person had the greatest impact on your life?
I’d have to say my grandfather. Watching him live without his hearing inspired me to be who I am today.
Tell us something about you that even your friends don’t know:
When I was a teenager, I worked at a chicken farm picking eggs.
What do you hope to accomplish that you have not done yet?
Write a book for parents of deaf children, a book of encouragement and of possibilities.
Last book read:
“The First Patient” by Michael Palmer, although I may have “read” David Baldacci’s newest, The Whole Truth, by the time this is out in print.