By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Vicky Roberson has truly worked her way up the ‘food chain’ in Union City Schools.
The longtime UCHS cafeteria worker who laughs when she says she started out as a salad mixer in 1986, has ascended to the top of her profession, being named the Food Service Director for all three Union City Schools.
Roberson’s previous role as cafeteria manager at the high school will be filled by Linda Williams, whom she described as her “right-hand person” there for the past several years.
As a two-time cancer survivor, no one should expect her new role to be more than Roberson can handle.
“I’m up for the challenge… I feel good,” she laughed. “I never expected to have this opportunity, but my plans are to jump right in and just do it.”
Roberson will oversee cafeterias at UC Elementary and UC Middle and UCHS. She says she has capable managers in place at all three locations but will be willing to lend a hand should the need arise.
“If they ever need me to cook, to run the register, to update records – whatever they need, I’ll do,” she said. “I have a phenomenal staff, and I’ll work with them and for them. I’ll ask my managers what their needs are, and I’ll fill in however I’m needed.”
A training period during the spring will prepare Roberson for her new duties. She’ll learn computer programming, ordering tactics for the entire system and become acclimated with the business end of running three separate cafeterias.
“I’m sure there’ll be a learning curve,” she said. “The old saying is ‘you’re never too old to learn,’ and I’m going to prove it.”
Roberson’s biggest fan is Director of UC Schools Wes Kennedy.
“I wish all school-related personnel decisions were this easy,” the top administrator said. “Vickie Roberson is just a tireless worker who’s going to get whatever job she has done, and it’s going to be done well. She’s loyal, has a tremendous work ethic and loves Union City Schools and its students.
“I’m confident that all three of our cafeterias will work at peak efficiency under her guidance.”
Roberson will begin her new duties on Jan. 4.
Photo: Vicky and Linda passing the ladles. Mike Hutchens photo.