The Center for Multicultural Education

Lydia Perez Roberts received her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas and her Masters of Social Work (MSW) in Administrative Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa. During her time in college she served as a student leader in various capacities including President of the Student Government Association, and was awarded various national scholarships and awards, including ones from the U.S. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and Glamour en Espanol Magazine.

Ms. Roberts previously worked as a staff member for the Alamo Community College District’s Student Leadership Institute in San Antonio, Texas. The Institute provided year-long leadership training for over 100 college students within the district. Her duties included regular programming and coordination of the Institute’s activities, as well as the coordination of the annual week-long conference for participants, which took place in Washington, D.C.

In July 2004, Ms. Roberts began her duties as the first Assistant Director for Multicultural Education at the University of Northern Iowa. Her duties consist of planning, development, implementation, and coordination of activities and services of the Center for Multicultural Education as well as the overseeing of the business operations of the department. She supervises the department staff, acts as a liaison to University divisions and departments in publicizing the programs and activities of the CME as well as in developing principles and strategies for recruiting and retaining racial and ethnic minority students.

Ms. Roberts enjoys spending time with her husband, son and daughter. She is a board member for the Black Hawk County YWCA and actively involved in various community, and cultural activities.