WKU News

Dr. Julia Roberts, executive director of The Center for Gifted Studies and The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU, has been named president of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC).

The four-year term as WCGTC president began at the conclusion of the 22nd Biennial World Conference of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children in Sydney, Australia, on July 23.

The 2017 World Conference took place on the campus of UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales) from July 20 through July 23. UNSW School of Education, a world leader in pioneering and innovative work in gifted education, hosted the conference. The event serves as an opportunity for researchers, practitioners, parents and other stakeholders to gather from around the globe to discuss the vital matters, issues and concerns that impact the field of gifted education and gifted and talented children.

The WCGTC is a worldwide non-profit organization founded more than 35 years ago that provides advocacy and support for gifted children, with headquarters located at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green.

“Dr. Roberts has served as a leader in the field of gifted education for over 35 years and is an advocate for children and youth as we strive to close the achievement gap and provide high quality learning experiences for all student,” said Dr. Sam Evans, dean of the College of Education & Behavioral Sciences at WKU. “Through her leadership, the lives of thousands of individuals have been positively impacted and her vision and passion for meeting the needs of all students will be an asset to the World Council during her term as president. We are honored to have her elected to this prestigious leadership position in the field of gifted education.”

Dr. Roberts is a University Distinguished Professor at WKU, serves as the Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies, as well as serving as the Executive Director of The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU and of The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky. For more than 30 years, Dr. Roberts has been an active advocate for gifted children at the state, national, and international levels.

Dr. Roberts serves on the boards of the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education and The Association for the Gifted (a division of the Council for Exceptional Children), and served as treasurer and one of seven elected members of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children’s Executive Committee, before being named president. She has received a multitude of awards and recognitions over the years for her work in advocacy, gifted studies and education.

Contact: Kristy Ketterman, (270) 745-4020 or kristy.ketterman@wku.edu