An Army veteran and non-traditional, first-generation student, 51ԹϺ's new vice president of student affairs has a passion for volunteering, his family, and fun with “Sneaker Thursdays.”
Rogers participated in and was a student worker in many of the same access and support programs he now leads. Over the past couple of decades, he worked his way up from being a student worker to vice president with many positions in between.
He also dedicates time as a volunteer and board member to local organizations. He chairs the Community Outreach Medical Center, which assists families without insurance. As vice chair of the Clark County Libraries, he promotes education, literacy, and growth. Through his fraternity, he mentors young minority men, helping them achieve academic and personal goals.
His ultimate goal as both VP and volunteer is to shape well-rounded, compassionate individuals, extending his impact beyond the campus.
“I am constantly striving to create better access in our community for underserved and vulnerable populations, whether it is education or health care access,” he said. “It’s important to me to help create upward mobility for people in our communities.”
But that doesn’t mean he takes himself too seriously. On Thursdays, you’ll always find the VP in extra stylish shoes. “Sneaker Thursdays,” he said, is a way to connect with people across campus. “I often talk to students about their sneakers, and sometimes I like to tease them a bit to see if we’re the same size, and joke about doing a sneaker swap.”
First-Generation Role Models
Rogers grew up in a single-parent household as the youngest of 10 children. The oldest three siblings did not complete high school, but rather worked to help their mother with housing and food costs.
Rogers didn't envision another path out until the fourth oldest sibling, a sister, became the first in the family to complete high school and go on to complete an undergraduate degree. As in so many first-generation families, having that role model changed the trajectory of younger children. Eventually, six of the seven youngest Rogers children attained higher education degrees.
From Military Vet to College Student
Rogers joined the military at 17 years old, as a “way out” of his living situation and with a plan to stay in the service long enough to attain his G.I. Bill. Rogers credits a sergeant he met during his service with giving him the confidence to take a college course, and then pushing him to go back to school full time to earn his bachelor’s degree.
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His hardest hill to climb was navigating the campus and figuring out where to start: understanding how to choose a major, select the right courses, how to complete the FAFSA, and access his G.I. Bill benefits, which is probably more attributable to being first-generation, rather than a veteran. “I found so many resources and help at the Center for Academic Achievement and Outreach, which led to me being heavily involved in that work and contributing to my ‘stickiness’ at 51ԹϺ.”
He is now a two-time alumnus of 51ԹϺ’s Lee Business School (’99 BS Management Information Systems and ’03 MBA) and also received his Ph.D. in business administration from Grand Canyon University.
A Rebel Family
Rogers met his wife at a CAEO staff training, although he said she may tell a different story. Rogers was impressed with Rebecca, a single mother of a special needs daughter, who worked full time while earning her second master’s at 51ԹϺ in 2005 before going on to get her Ph.D. in workforce development and organizational leadership in 2018. She’s now director of the GEAR UP program
“She really pushed me to go back and earn my doctorate. She has always been an overachiever, and pushed me to further my career in higher education,” Rogers said. “Also, remember, we got our doctorates at the same time, and had two boys along that journey.”
Their youngest son, Landon, is a fixture at many 51ԹϺ events, so much so that he’s become known as “Keith’s hype man.”
What’s Next for the Division of Student Affairs
Rogers’ big picture ideas for the Division of Student Affairs include improving the accessibility of affordable food options, expanding SNAP benefits, growing student participation in events and activities, as well as continuing to work toward increased mental health awareness and acceptance on campus. Rogers wants to make sure the university’s dedication and commitment to students increases through all the areas of student affairs.
“I have a strong sense of obligation to help people realize their potential, and I feel privileged to be in the position to help students succeed academically and personally, so they are prepared to pursue their dreams. Together, we can do more,” Rogers said.
