Dr. Van Roberts, associate professor of communication at Mississippi University for Women, was chosen to be a judge at the 16th annual Magnolia Independent Film Festival. The festival was held in February at Hollywood Premier Cinemas in Starkville.

The Magnolia Independent Film Festival began in 1997 and was the first film festival in Mississippi. The festival brings films and filmmakers from around the globe to the Golden Triangle Area. It also encourages Mississippi student filmmakers to enter in hopes of being able to help preserve the art of film-making in Mississippi.

In other activities, Roberts also participated at the Boy Scout Merit Badge Day in Tupelo in February. He helped conduct a seminar at Harrisburg Baptist Church for 12 and 13-year-old scouts to obtain their merit badges.