2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, commemorating a century of efforts to study, preserve, and honor Black history. This year’s theme, A Century of Black History Commemorations, recognizes the legacy launched by Dr. Carter G. Woodson and others who ensured Black history would be documented, taught, and remembered.
As we observe Black History Month, ChEnected reflects on how that legacy lives on today through the people shaping the chemical engineering profession. One of those voices is long-time AIChE member Reginald E. Rogers, Jr., Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Missouri. Through his work as an educator and mentor, Rogers continues the work of visibility, representation, and leadership that Black history commemorations were built to uphold.
Were there moments early in your career when representation or the lack of it had a noticeable impact on your confidence or sense of belonging?
Oh, absolutely! There was never a day that I didn't see the lack of representation of Black faculty in academia. When you come to work and constantly see that you are the "only one" in the room or building, it makes you ask why you are there. Yes, I know people say I belong, but you must mean what you say through intentional action at all levels. When you realize that you serve as a token or poster board material for showing diversity in an arena that struggles to overcome its weaknesses on the topic, it challenges your mindset about a sense of belonging. You want to know you are valued for the skills and knowledge you bring to a group that will move the team/organization forward and help everyone thrive. When people find it difficult to get to know me because of preconceived stereotypes about Black individuals, or notions about how much I truly know and can contribute to the group, it devalues that sense of belonging and impacts the confidence needed to be successful.
Black History Month honors both progress and responsibility. How do you think your presence as a Black faculty member and long-time AIChE member influences students and colleagues, especially those who may not yet see themselves represented in the profession?
My presence as a Black faculty member and long-time AIChE member sends a message of hope to students and colleagues that they can be change agents in academia. Not a day goes by where I am not acting as a lighthouse to others and telling them to stay the course. For those who may not yet see themselves represented, I extend my hand and tell them to follow me so they can see what is possible for them. I think of the message from RENT when I wake up each day: "Forget regret…or life is yours to miss."
Regardless of our background or upbringing, we all have something to give to one another, and that's my message as I continue my academic career. As a faculty member and engaged member of AIChE, I hope that others feed off my positive attitude and passion to want to be difference makers in the lives of those around them. It is not an easy journey, but it is certainly one that has many rewards and genuine fulfillment.
AIChE emphasizes creating welcoming, supportive spaces where people can achieve their full potential. How do you bring those principles into your mentoring, teaching, and leadership roles?
First things first…I listen. No space will ever be welcoming or supportive if no one chooses to actively listen to others. Providing a space for everyone to be vulnerable allows for relationship building that promotes growth. Once I have allowed others to share their story, then I ask where they want to go on their journey. Helping someone to achieve their full potential requires me to know when to lay down my life for a moment to help another individual get past any challenges impeding their progress. Yes, I could be selfish and tell them to figure it out, but that mindset is not who I am.
As a mentor, teacher, and leader, my primary purpose is to shepherd those under my wing to answer the question "Who am I?" such that they can reflect on their journey and how it needs to evolve over time. I serve as a conduit to help them transcend to the next level while learning from them at the same time. Everything is a two-way street. When you recognize this fact, the best that you give to the world will come back to you.
What does Black History Month personally mean to you, and how do you hope your story contributes to the broader narrative of Black excellence in chemical engineering?
Black History Month is a celebration of the progress that Black pioneers who came before me made to ensure that I can continue to lay new foundations to inspire Black and other underrepresented individuals to never give up on their dreams. I hope that my story of overcoming obstacles and encouraging others contributes to the broader narrative of Black excellence in chemical engineering by sowing fruitful seeds in everyone (not just Black individuals) that it is okay to embrace differences to "Do a World of Good" in the field.
I hope my story will continue to serve as a lighthouse that others are drawn to when they need inspiration to push through their struggles and succeed in their endeavors. To me, Black excellence in chemical engineering is fueled by passion and perseverance. That, ultimately, is what I hope my story will continue to spark in others.
Read more stories in the series AIChE Observes Black History Month.
