When graduates of Saginaw Valley State University gather for commencement on Saturday, Dec. 13, they’ll hear from a leader whose roots run deep in the community. Dr. Ramont M. Roberts, superintendent of Saginaw Public Schools and a proud Buena Vista High School graduate, will deliver the keynote address during the 2:30 p.m. ceremony for the College of Education and the Crystal M. Lange College of Health and Human Services.
Roberts will also receive an honorary degree from SVSU, recognizing his dedication to advancing educational equity and innovation across Michigan.
A lifelong advocate for student success, Roberts has led transformative initiatives in Saginaw Public Schools, including a community-wide strategic plan that secured a $100 million bond to fund new and renovated facilities such as Handley Elementary School, Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy, and Saginaw United High School. His leadership has been featured in the American School Board Journal and praised for creating a 21st-century learning environment.
Beyond his work in public education, Roberts is also an author. His book, “Thriving Not Surviving: Building Resilience in a Challenging World,” explores strategies for overcoming adversity and fostering resilience—a message that resonates deeply with graduates preparing to navigate life’s next chapter.
For Roberts, the journey from Saginaw native to educational leader underscores the power of perseverance and vision—lessons he’s expected to share with SVSU’s newest graduates as they begin their own journeys.
The ceremony will be livestreamed here.