[2] Her stances included better teacher training and salaries, she also helped gain the right to vote in school elections.

[8] She started the Lexington chapter of the prestigious Sorosis woman's club, serving as its president for as long as she lived there.

[13] When he was diagnosed with brain cancer in April 1909, his wife Mary was then appointed as the first female president of the university until John Grant Crabbe, the Kentucky superintendent of public education at the time, took her position in March 1910.

[13] After passing the torch of president, Mary became the Dean of Women at EKU and served until 1915, leaving due to health concerns.

[13] Enrollment at EKU increased 25% during Roark's tenure as she helped Appalachian students attend the college and established the all-female residence hall.