Clifford Roberts

2008 Outstanding Alumni
Dr. Clifford R. Roberts '64

Dr. Clifford R. Roberts,'64, has made significant contributions to the field of veterinary medicine and done so through his distinguished military, research, teaching, and administrative service. He is a licensed veterinarian in both Texas and California, and is Board Certified by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. Dr. Roberts currently serves as the Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Research, and Attending Veterinarian and Director of Laboratory Animal Resource Center at the University of California, San Francisco.

The principal positions held by Dr. Roberts make an impressive list. From 1984 through 1987, he worked at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research as Deputy Director. Starting in 1987, he was assigned to the USA Medical Research Unit in Kenya and served as the organization's Director/Commander for five years. Dr. Roberts then returned to Walter Reed to resume the duties of Director of Veterinary Medicine for another year. While working in the military, he was honored with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1981), the US Army General's 'A' Designation in Laboratory Animal Medicine (1985), the Army Medical Department Medical Order of Merit (1989), and the Legion of Merit (1994).

After his military career, Dr. Roberts began working in university research at the University of California, Irvine, and the University of California, San Francisco. At UC Irvine, he served as Director of Laboratory Animal Resources. He served the same post at UCSF. After six years of service, he was promoted to the high office of Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Research, a post he has held since 2006.

Dr. Roberts is active in professional organizations, including the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners, the California Laboratory Animal Medical Society and others.

Dr. Roberts has authored over 40 articles, mostly in peer reviewed journals. He continues his avocation in veterinary medicine and the management of research services at the University of California, San Francisco.

Dr. Clifford Roberts is the second of three generations of veterinarians in the Roberts family. His father, Dan Roberts, the first generation, is also an A&M graduate and Outstanding Alumnus of the College. Daughter Elizabeth is now in practice in California. Mary, Clifford's wife is a horticulturist specializing in Fuchsias for the Strybing Arboretum in San Francisco. Their oldest daughter, Kathleen, is a chemical engineer now working on a biodiesel production plant design.