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Alumni Spotlight: Roberta Lea (Farmer), Class of 2008
The country artist/singer songwriter left her teaching career to focus on her passion for music
University News | December 11, 2024
Described by the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) as “one of Hampton Roads' best kept secrets,” Norfolk native Roberta Lea, Class of 2008, is gaining national and international momentum. The award-winning songwriter, member of the Black Opry collective, one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and recent inductee to The Recording Academy’s Class of 2023, graduated from Virginia Wesleyan with a bachelor’s degree—majoring in Foreign Language with a concentration in Spanish.
Before taking the leap to pursue her passion for music in 2021 (following the pandemic), Lea was a Spanish teacher at Lake Taylor and Booker T. Washington High Schools in Norfolk, Virginia.
Since then, she hasn't skipped a beat. According to VCA, Lea has a song and style for everyone. The Nashville Scene praises her ability to “score hits with her catchy, textured and beautifully sung originals.” Her live performance achieves the difficult task of crossing pop, country and jazz styles seamlessly while keeping the audience captivated with her unique storytelling. She creates a wonderful connection to the listener with her lessons on life, love and legacy woven together with an acoustic performance of her music.
Lea says she stays connected to VWU through friends and her networks with fellow alumni. We recently caught up with her to learn more about her years as a student at Virginia Wesleyan.
What activities were you engaged in during your college years?
I was a resident assistant; I ran track and cross country and worked at the Batten Center at the hub desk, at the rock wall, in the gym and in the student activities center.
What was your favorite place on campus?
The Chapel, where I learned how to write songs and practiced playing piano. It was my secret place.
What inspired you to major in Foreign Language?
I took a trip to Puerto Rico my freshman year (a mission trip) and fell in love with connecting with the global community. After that, I went to Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico and many other countries to experience the world from a new perspective.
How did your time at Virginia Wesleyan most impact your success?
As a music artist, the time I spent in the chapel falling in love with music was foundational to who I am as an artist now. It was a place where I could experiment and fall in love with the art of music without pressure and without perfection.
What are some of your best memories of your time at Virginia Wesleyan?
My best memories include traveling with the cross country team and as a student in the foreign language department. Between traveling to new cities and studying abroad, Wesleyan really afforded me the opportunity grow, explore, and extend my worldview.
Who had greatest impact on you during your time at Virginia Wesleyan?
My coaches, Matt and Krista Littleton, Professors Diana Risk and Dr. Mavel Velasco have all had a major impact on my life, growth and development as a young student.
Learn more about VWU Alumni and what they are doing now.