Dr. Caton Forest Roberts passed away on August 23, 2025, at age 70. A dedicated teacher, mentor, and colleague, Roberts touched the lives of thousands of students and peers through his warmth, humor, and compassion.
After earning his PhD in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of Illinois–Champaign/Urbana, Roberts began his career at SUNY–Buffalo before returning to Madison in 1994. He served as Unit Chief of the Forensic Assessment Unit at Mendota Mental Health Institute, then shifted to teaching in the Department of Psychology at UW–Madison, where he inspired an estimated 25,000 undergraduates. A leader in the movement to create inclusive learning communities, he also served as the Faculty Director of the Chadbourne Residential College from 2007 to 2015. Roberts retired in 2018 as a Distinguished Faculty Associate Emeritus, leaving a legacy of care and connection.
“Caton was dedicated to teaching psychology and engaging undergraduate students in the process of understanding themselves and others,” says Dr. Patti Coffey, teaching professor in the Department of Psychology. “He both challenged and supported students and made a difference in the lives of many. He also made a difference in my life by encouraging me to teach my first Intro Psych class in our department and I will always be grateful for him opening my eyes to the rewards of teaching. There are many people in the department and the community who can credit him with small and large steps that improved their lives.”
Outside the classroom, Roberts loved skiing, golf, softball, music, and time in nature. He is remembered for his wholehearted dedication to family, his pursuit of meaning, and his enduring kindness. A full obituary can be found here.
A celebration of Roberts’s life will be held on September 21, 2025, at Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton. The Department of Psychology sends its condolences to his family, friends, and all those who had the pleasure of working alongside and learning from him.