Chamonne “CJ” Roberts: Beyond the Mic, Beyond the Stage
October 09, 2025
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
MOUNT OLIVE – For Chamonne “CJ” Roberts, life has never followed a straight path. The University of Mount Olive junior and vocal performance major has lived in North Carolina, Missouri, South Korea, Washington, and Maryland before setting foot on UMO’s campus. Each place left an imprint on him, shaping his perspective and his calling.
“I did not grow up in one singular place,” Roberts said. “My dad was in the Army, so moving was just part of the game. But with each move, I learned how to build community and connect with people.”
Roberts’s childhood was defined by constant change. Fayetteville, NC, was his first home, a place where even the local Little Caesars is etched into his memory. Later, in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he discovered the sense of camaraderie unique to military bases. In South Korea, he immersed himself in culture and language while living off-base near the city of Osan. Washington, with its seamless blend of city and nature, became the first place that truly felt like home. Maryland eventually brought him to the doorstep of adulthood.
“It wasn’t always easy being the new kid,” he reflected. “But every experience pushed me to grow. By the time I graduated high school in Maryland, I had learned resilience and adaptability. Those skills still help me today at UMO.”
Music has been a constant thread through Roberts’ story. Encouraged first by his mother and later by his sister and church mentors, CJ discovered that singing was more than just a talent. It became a testimony.
“I’ve been singing as long as I can remember,” he said. “Music communicates in ways words alone can’t. I want to use it to share joy, hope, and the gospel.”
That calling became clearer in 2021, when Roberts’ faith deepened and he reconnected with God. Soon after, a providential moment changed his life. Carolina Sound, UMO’s premier vocal group, performed at his church.
“I had almost given up on college,” Roberts admitted. “But when I saw Carolina Sound and later visited UMO’s Rodgers Chapel, I felt at peace. I knew the Lord was telling me this was where I needed to be.”
Since arriving in 2023, Roberts has become a vibrant presence in the UMO community. Whether on stage or behind the soundboard with Carolina Sound, he embraces every role with joy.
“At first, I only wanted to sing,” he said. “But I was given the chance to learn audio engineering, and now I love it just as much. Whether I’m mixing sound or performing, I know I’m part of something bigger.”
Roberts has found fulfillment in moments both large and small. He has helped run church productions during Carolina Sound tours and served at UMO’s first Christmas by Spotlight concert. Each opportunity reminds him of the value of service and teamwork.
“Every job matters,” he explained. “Whether you’re behind the scenes or in the spotlight, people depend on you. That’s leadership.”
Faith is at the center of Roberts’s UMO journey. A familiar face in Campus Ministry, he attends weekly Chapel services, Guys Group, and Worship Nights, all of which have strengthened his walk with God.
“Being vulnerable isn’t weakness,” he said. “It’s how you connect with people and the Lord on a deeper level. Campus Ministry has shaped me into the leader and man of God I’m called to be.”
That same servant-hearted spirit shows in the way others describe him: always smiling, always willing to help. Roberts points to Jesus as his model.
“If He could give everything for us, I can give my time and effort to help someone else,” he said.
Set to graduate in spring 2027, Roberts envisions a future where music, ministry, and service intertwine. He dreams of performing, teaching, and consulting with churches on worship and sound design while continuing to sing and lead others in faith.
“I just want to spread the gospel through music,” he said. “Hope, restoration, kindness, and love; if people walk away with that, I’ll know I’ve done what I was called to do.”
“CJ” may be short for Chamonne Junior, but for those who know him, the initials stand for far more: compassion, joy, and community. Roberts strives to reflect those values in all he does at UMO.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. It was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
