In her column from the fall 2025 issue of The Magazine of Elon, President Book shares the impact of the recently announced Roberts Academy at Elon University, a private transitional school serving young children with dyslexia.
Universities occupy a singular position in human society. At their best, universities serve as engines of innovation leveraging thought leadership and critical thinking to address complex challenges and improving lives. In countless ways, universities have channeled intellectual energy and imagination toward practical solutions that elevate communities and expand human flourishing.
At the center of these efforts are passionate philanthropists — people who want to partner with educators, researchers and students to create lasting, fundamental impact on an important issue.
On Nov. 6, we were thrilled to announce a once-in-a-generation investment in human potential from Marjorie and Hal Roberts of Lakeland, Florida (see details on page 3). Their generous financial partnership will establish the Roberts Academy at Elon University, a private transitional school serving young children with dyslexia. The Robertses are passionate about this cause because they saw their three grandchildren with dyslexia thrive when they had access to the right learning environment and teaching methods.
Marjorie said she “had goosebumps” as she joined our community for the gift announcement celebration, describing the life-changing experiences of children who are enrolled at special schools for those with dyslexia. She said parents can’t believe the difference the schools make, with remarks such as, “I have my daughter back. … She wants books for Christmas. She can read her birthday cards.”
Marjorie said, “What a future there is here for the education of children who have this particular superpower!”
Elon will open the Roberts Academy next fall in temporary quarters and complete construction of a permanent home in fall 2028. Eventually the school will serve about 200 elementary school students annually.
The reaction we’ve received from our community has been overwhelming. Many people have personal experiences with dyslexia and are thrilled that Elon is addressing this critical issue in child development. Roberts Academy embodies our mission to put knowledge into practice and foster respect for human differences.
I’m especially excited about the ways our community will integrate the Roberts Academy and the companion Roberts Center for Dyslexia and Engaged Learning within the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education. Elon faculty and students who work with the Academy and its teachers and students will create a professional development and resource hub for our entire region and beyond.
The Roberts Academy is the latest example of Elon’s national leadership in engaged learning to tackle critical challenges in society and our world. In a wide range of disciplines, Elon students and faculty are engaged and energized to create new knowledge and find innovative solutions to difficult problems.
We are deeply grateful to the Roberts family — and to the thousands of other generous philanthropists who, through gifts both large and small, empower our community’s role in making the world a better place.