Dorothy L. Roberts
Class of ’68, ‘78 Business Administration
President/Owner, Ballard & Tighe, Publishers

As a two-time graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, Dorothy Roberts has a strong bond with the university. In 1968, she received her bachelor of science in business administration, and in 1978 completed her master’s degree in the same subject. Prior to becoming the owner, chief executive officer and presidentof Ballard & Tighe, an educational publishing company, Roberts served as the executive director of business operations at Cal Poly Pomona.

“With five years of experience in the corporate arena, I returned to Cal Poly Pomona as an employee,” she says. “Education had played such a significant role in my own life that I wanted to be part of the effort to help others enjoy these same educational opportunities.”

Roberts began her work in the business world as a training consultant for General Telephone of California before returning to Cal Poly Pomona, where she was employed in a number of capacities, culminating in her position as executive director of business operations.In her current role as CEO and owner of Ballard & Tighe, she has furthered the company’s reputation as a leader in the development of English as a second language and bilingual education materials for the kindergarten through high school market.

“At Ballard & Tighe, our mission is to make a difference in education,” says Roberts. “Getting up every day and knowing that we have done the best we can to make a difference in the education of our nation’s children is a core value held by me and my colleagues at Ballard & Tighe.”

Roberts is a leader in the community as well, serving as secretary, board member and development committee chair for the Cal Poly Pomona University Educational Trust. She is also a member of the President’s Council. Roberts service is not limited to Cal Poly Pomona. She also supports the La Habra Boys & Girls Club, Children’s Museum, and Help for BrainInjured Children, among others. A life member of the Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Association, Roberts has three times been honored for her outstanding service to the university. The La Habra Chamber of Commerce awarded her the Sharon McCulley Excellence in Reading Award in 1999, praising her work in the educational community.