Jeanne Swanner was raised in Graham, North Carolina, one of three daughters. Not only was she taller than sisters Katherine and Andrea, she was also especially tall as a youth, growing to by age 13 and in seventh grade. She was an avid basketball player.
Pageant participant
In 1963, at age 19, she was named Miss North Carolina and went on to be named Miss Congeniality in that year's Miss America competition. Robertson credits her reign as the catalyst for her career. Following her Miss North Carolina reign, Robertson used the scholarship funds to fund her college education at Auburn University, where she majored in physical education, joined Alpha Gamma Delta, and played on its basketball team, graduating in 1967.
Career
Robertson taught physical education for eight years in North Carolina. Although she began her public speaking career with her pageant title, Robertson has achieved much more national attention as a humorist and speaker. Her anecdotes have been broadcast regularly on satellite radio comedy channels including XM Radio's Laugh USA, Sirius Radio's Blue Collar Comedy and its Family Comedy Channel, and Laugh Break. Her popularity soared, however, in 2009 after a handful of humorous clips from her talks became popular videos. Robertson distinguishes between a humorist, which she considers herself, and a comedian, stating, "The humorist weaves the longer stories with a point. We don't go 'after' anybody. I'm telling my life." In 1980 she was designated a Certified Speaking Professional by the National Speakers Association, and served as the association's president in 1985. She is also an award-winning Toastmaster. On April 29, 2008, she spoke at the White House for National Volunteer Week to honor the 1,300 volunteers who donate time to work at the White House.
Honors and awards
National Speakers Association Speaker Hall of Fame
National Speakers Association Cavett Award ; first woman to receive the award
Toastmasters International Golden Gavel Award
North Carolina Press Association North Carolinian of the Year
Graham Historical Museum in her hometown, Graham, North Carolina, features a permanent exhibit, Jeanne Swanner Robertson.
Personal life
Jeanne is married to Jerry Robertson, a graduate of Duke University. He received his master's degree and doctorate at the University of North Carolina and was an educator and eventually superintendent of the Alamance County School System. In her performances, Jeanne calls him "Left Brain". She has a son from her first marriage, Bailey "Beaver" Bowline, who is tall. Beaver is a 1989 graduate of Elon University, where Jeanne is a trustee. His wife Dayna and he have two sons, Ryder and Gray. Jeanne and Jerry Robertson are both members of Elon University's Phoenix Club, which supports the athletic program. Jeanne is Methodist. She has claimed her favorite television series is The Andy Griffith Show. Her Mayberry Humor Across the USA furthers her connection to Griffith's show. The book title refers to Mayberry, the town which is the setting of Griffith's show.
Books
Robertson has authored three books:
Humor: The Magic of Genie: Seven Potions for Developing a Sense of Humor Rich Publishing Company,
Mayberry Humor Across the USA Rich Publishing Company,
Don't Let the Funny Stuff Get Away Rich Publishing Company,
