Dr. Trena WIlkerson presented gifts to Dr. Doug Rogers at his retirement reception.
After 37 years in service and leadership in the Baylor School of Education and beyond, Dr. Doug Rogers retired in May 2024. An expert in educational technology, Rogers served as interim dean, associate dean, technology director, and faculty member in the SOE.
At his retirement reception — which was attended by former students as well as current and former colleagues — Curriculum & Instruction interim chair Dr. Trena Wilkerson commended Roger’s leadership for the SOE. “Doug was visionary, pursuing the concept of what we see now as online learning, easy access, and focused professional development that we take for granted,” she said. Wilkerson said she worked with Rogers on a major grant project when she first came to Baylor in 1999. “He was a mentor to me,” she noted. “We presented and published together, taught together, and served on doctoral dissertations.”
Dr. Doug Rogers with Kinsey Award presented by NAPDS for significant leadership and contribution to the organization.
Rogers is a 1978 BSEd graduate of Baylor with a major in secondary English education. He taught English, speech, and drama in middle school for several years and then pursued a master’s in library science (1982), and EdD (1987) from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University Commerce). After earning a master’s, he held university positions in library and technology services before returning to Baylor in 1987 as director for the SOE’s Center for Educational Technology and assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. He became associate professor in 1990.
Rogers served 12 years (2004-2016) as associate dean in the SOE, overseeing undergraduate programs and student and information services. His purview included advising, the Learning Resources Center, state certification of educators and administrators, clinical placements, school accreditation processes, recruitment, communications, scholarships, and more.
He was SOE interim dean during the 2006-07 academic year. Wilkerson said his contributions went beyond the school to greater Baylor, noting his role in the creation and vision for Baylor’s Academy for Teaching and Learning, now celebrating 15 years. His list of university service is extensive, including stints as faculty senate chair and member of the university’s Sesquicentennial Campaign Steering Committee, significant roles in SACS self-studies and search committees, and a time as faculty-in-residence.
Rogers’s influence went beyond Baylor also; he served in leadership for organizations including the Association of Teacher Educators and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.
Most notably, he served in leadership for many years with the National Association of Professional Development Schools, playing a significant role in its move to independence. During his service, Rogers launched innovative programs and spearheaded organizational efforts in conference planning, web development, and membership software, among others.
He served on the board of directors and as the chief financial officer before being elected by the full membership as president, serving from 2017 to 2018.
In 2023, Rogers was honored with the Jason Kinsey Award from NAPDS (now NASUP, the National Association for School-University Partnerships), which honors an individual who advanced the mission of the organization in a significant and enduring way.
Rogers said the recognition was meaningful to him because, “It is a recognition from your peers.” Noting that the leadership of NAPDS selects the recipient, he added, “That made it feel like a significant professional contribution.”
See photos of Dr. Rogers’ retirement reception on School of Education Facebook page.
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