Iowa district hired superintendent despite false Morgan State doctorate claim on his resume
Ian Andre Roberts resigned after ICE arrested him for immigration and gun charges; he falsely claimed a doctoral degree and earned nearly $300,000 annually without work authorization.
- Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Andre Roberts did not obtain a doctoral degree from Morgan State University, despite claiming to have done so for many years.
- Roberts was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is facing potential deportation.
- Roberts received a bachelor's degree from Coppin State University and a master's degree from St. John's University, but did not complete a doctoral program at Morgan State University.
36 Articles
36 Articles
Parents react to Roberts resignation, faith in DMPS board to select new district leader
DES MOINES, Iowa -- It has been five days since the arrest of former Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts by Immigrations Custom Enforcement. The Des Moines School Board had to act quickly after the arrest to name Associate Superintendent Matt Smith as the interim. Since then, the board placed Roberts on paid administrative leave, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked his administrator license and then the board placed him on unpaid leave. J…
Des Moines officials hired superintendent despite false Morgan State doctorate claim on his resume
Ian Roberts' initial resume submitted to Des Moines Public Schools indicated that he earned a doctorate degree from Morgan State University. In the backgrounding process, it was revised to note that he had not completed his dissertation and did not have the doctorate.

Iowa district hired superintendent despite false Morgan State doctorate claim on his resume
The superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, who was detained last week by immigration agents, falsely claimed a doctoral degree when applying for the job two years ago but was hired even after the school board learned about the misrepresentation.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium