Cokie Robert’s life story is awe-inspiring. A bestselling author and Emmy Award winner, Cokie Roberts was one of NPR's most recognizable voices and is considered one of a handful of pioneering female journalists — along with Nina Totenberg, Linda Wertheimer, and Susan Stamberg — who helped shape the public broadcaster's sound and culture at a time when few women held prominent roles in journalism. Having so many female voices at a national broadcaster was nothing short of revolutionary in the 1970s.
Cokie Roberts was the only member of her immediate family not to run for Congress. She considered her role as a journalist and political analyst as her way of giving back.
Born in New Orleans as Mary Martha Corinne Morrison Claiborne Boggs, she was given the nickname Cokie by her brother, Thomas, who had trouble pronouncing Corinne.
Her father was Thomas Hale Boggs Sr., a former Democratic majority leader of the House who served in Congress for more than three decades before he disappeared on a campaign flight in Alaska in 1972. Her mother, Lindy Claiborne Boggs, took her husband's seat and served for 17 years. Lindy Boggs also served as U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.
In light of this legacy, what might be Lee H. Roberts’ mission and, naturally one wonders, did the apple fall far from the tree?
First let’s look at his background. He served as budget director for the state of North Carolina from 2014 to 2016, helping oversee a successful referendum for the largest higher education bond issue since 2000. Since 2021 he has been a member of the UNC Board of Governors, working closely with System officials to implement a more comprehensive budget model and improve measures of student success. He also served on the State Board of Community Colleges, the State Banking Commission, the Board of Visitors at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, and the Golden LEAF Foundation Board.
“Lee Roberts is a patient leader, a generous listener, and someone raised with the values of public service,” Hans said. “He knows how to find common ground on challenging issues, and he brings out the best in everyone around him. He is deeply committed to the university, and I am excited to collaborate with him in supporting the magnificent work happening at Carolina.”
Roberts grew up in Bethesda, Maryland. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Duke University and a law degree from Georgetown University. He lives in Raleigh with his wife, Liza, the former editor of Walter Magazine and author of Art of the State: Celebrating the Visual Art of North Carolina, from UNC Press.
