Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, November 23, 1993 TAG: 9311230236
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
A native of Tampa, Fla., Robertson received his master of arts degree from Glasgow University and his doctorate in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
During World War II, he worked on the development of airborne radar systems at MIT. After the war, he joined the Office of Naval Research and in 1948 was named director of the physics sciences division.
In 1958, Robertson joined the National Science Foundation and three years later was named associate director for research.
Robertson came to Tech in 1970 and during his six years as dean was in charge of administering, coordinating and developing Tech's research programs. The two major areas of research during that time were agricultural experimentation and sponsored-program activities.
Robertson was a descendant of a pioneer Southwest Virginia family, the McGavocks, who came to this country in 1755. James McGavock was one of the signers of the 1775 Fincastle Resolutions.
by CNB