Dr. Francis C. Roberts
A native of Alabama and notable historian, Dr. Francis Roberts began teaching in Sumter County in 1934, before moving to Huntsville, Alabama to teach in public schools from 1937 until 1952. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Alabama in 1940, and became the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in the history of Alabama from that institution.
She was one of the acknowledged promoters of the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She began as one of the first instructors at the newly formed University of Alabama extension center in 1950, becoming a full professor in 1961, and serving as chairwoman of the UAH History Department from 1966 to 1970. Additionally, she was director of its UAH’s Academic Advisement and Information Center from 1972 to 1980, seeing it grow into a nationally-ranked, regional, public university. She was professor emeritus from her retirement until her death.
“Roberts Hall” was named in her honor. Here civic contributions included: being one of the master planners for the Twickenham Historic Preservation District Association, formed for the exclusive purpose to promote the preservation of historic buildings and sites located within Madison County, which included the City of Huntsville and other historic building sites; being a board member of the THPDA; being one of the leaders for the restoration and opening of the home of notable Alabama poet and artist, Maria Howard Weeden as a house museum and serving as a board member; being on the development committee for the recreation of the 1819 village in Huntsville where Alabama’s first constitution was written, known as Alabama’s Constitution Park; being editor of the Huntsville Historical Review; being on the board of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, as well as many other organizations.
