Dr. Don R. Roberts was born in McNeil, Arkansas. After graduation from Henderson State Teachers College, Dr. Roberts began his teaching career in 1959 as a teacher and coach in Oregon. By the age of 29, he had extended his career to school administration, serving as a principal and a superintendent.

In 1967, Dr. Roberts returned to Arkansas and began his career with the Little Rock School District as Interim Deputy Superintendent and later as Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services and Pupil Services until 1974.

Dr. Roberts also served as the Director of the Arkansas Department of Education from 1979 to 1984. After a very recognized tenure in the Ft. Worth Independent School District, Dr. Roberts retired. But his retirement was short-lived when two years later he agreed to return to the Little Rock School District to serve as interim superintendent and help guide the superintendent selection process.

While working for the Little Rock School District, Dr. Roberts was recognized for his leadership and was noted as "well-respected" by members of the community and media. Dr. Roberts is known for his ability to build bridges between businesses and schools in the communities where he has lead school districts. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette characterized his superintendency as "serious business." The Arkansas Times noted his tenure as "an uncommon period of tranquility."

The West Little Rock Naming Committee and the Little Rock Community recommended naming our school, Don R. Roberts Elementary because of the respect that Dr. Roberts has earned and his outstanding record of service. We were privileged to have Dr. Roberts as a vital part of our first two school years. He died on May 23, 2012. He was loved by everyone at Roberts Elementary and his presence will be missed.