Hugh J. Roberts, PhD (Agricultural Biochemistry, Purdue University), M.Div. (Duke Divinity School), is a Canadian expatriate who emigrated to the US as a young man in the 1950s. His first career encompassed positions as a research scientist and director of research and development in agribusiness. Later, as executive director and vice president, he led nonprofit international development organizations focused on agriculture, food, and nutrition. During this twenty-year career he made presentations at a number of national and international meetings and conferences, authored publications in several scientific journals, wrote chapters for two books in the field of carbohydrate chemistry, and edited the proceedings of several conferences on small-scale biointensive food production.
A mid-life career change led him to attend Duke Divinity School from 1986-90. While there Dr. Roberts published two papers in The Journal of Black Sacred Music: “Spiritual Songs and Hymns: A Review"; and “Improvisation, Individuation, and Immanence: Thelonius Monk”. After graduation and ordination, he served as pastor of several United Methodist churches in New Mexico and West Texas until his retirement in 2001. The Reverend Dr. Roberts lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, with his wife, the Reverend LouAnn Asbury.