In Carver's words:

Miss Roberts was a teacher of rare ability.  Her chief delight seemed to be that of helping the backward student.  And many, many are the men and women today who rise up and call her blessed, for the help she gave them in more ways than one.  I take especial delight in registering as one of that number.

Maria Roberts graduated from Iowa State in 1890 and shortly afterwards became a member of the Mathematics Department faculty.  In 1908, she was named Vice-Dean of the Junior College--the term then used for the Freshman and Sophomore Classes.  In 1920 she was named Dean of the Junior College.  She continued as Dean and Professor of Mathematics until 1933, when she became Dean Emeritus and Director of Student Loans.

Throughout her career, Miss Roberts was concerned with the plight of talented students who had a difficult time completing college because of financial problems.  She was instrumental in developing the college loan funds do the needs of such students could be met.  Through the Alumni Association, she also worked to set up scholarship funds for needy "B" or better students.