Paula Roberts
Assistant Professor of Management
Jack C. Massey College of Business, Executive Education
Biography
Dr. Roberts has served as executive director of both the National Museum of African American Music and the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC). During her time at the museum, she oversaw the foundational development of organizational and operating structures to ensure the success of the historic momentous project. While at the TSBDC, Dr. Roberts facilitated the development, reorganization, and growth of hundreds of small to medium sized businesses throughout the US. Under her direction, the Center created/retained 298 jobs and increased client sales by $37M with an additional $18M in contracts and loans awarded to the Center’s clients. Today, in addition to teaching, she continues to serve as a strategy consultant specializing in building sustainable ventures, viable programs, and executive leaders.
Active in the Middle Tennessee community, Dr. Roberts currently serves as secretary on the board of New Level CDC, and the advisory boards of the Nashville Area Salvation Army, and the Nashville Opera Association. Paula was appointed to the Metro Nashville Arts Commission (MNAC) by Mayor Karl Dean in 2009, serving as Chair in 2012, and reappointed by Mayor David Briley in 2019. She currently co-chairs the newly formed MNAC Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity. She is also a proud graduate of Leadership Nashville Class of 2010, Leadership Middle Tennessee Class of 2012, and Leadership Music Class of 2013. She is a former member of the Rotary Club of Nashville and has chaired the boards of both Urban League of Middle Tennessee Young Professionals and Young Leaders Council.
Dr. Roberts’ academic research is rooted in Behavioral Finance as she thoroughly enjoys exploring the behavioral and decision-making biases individuals exhibit regarding money management and financial investments.
Education & Certifications
- Ph.D. – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, Illinois, Business Psychology
- MPA – Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee, Non-Profit Management
- BS - Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee, Interdisciplinary Studies (Africana Studies & Psychology
- Certified Business Advisor, Tennessee Small Business Development Center
- Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management, Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee
Professional Experience
- Assistant Professor of Management, Belmont University
- Belmont University Fellow in Business
- Executive Director, National Museum of African American Music, Nashville, TN
- Executive Director, Tennessee Small Business Development Center, Nashville, TN