Word to the Wise | Dr. LaTanya Rogers

by India Crowe

Each student begins their matriculation at Howard with the expectancy of gaining knowledge, and the tools to impact change. As each graduate completes the Long Walk across the Yard for their Commencement, they leave with their education, and the assurance of joining the legacy of Howard excellence. In every field, there is a Howard graduate making strides and breaking ground. Howard Graduate School alumna Dr. LaTanya Rogers is one former student this Howard excellence.

The first recipient of the Certificate in College and University Faculty Preparation at Howard University’s Graduate School, Rogers can recall the feelings of joy and relief expressed by graduates as this year marks the 20th anniversary of her successful dissertation defense from Howard's English Department. Since earning her doctorate, Rogers has served as President of the College English Association–Mid-Atlantic Group (CEA-MAG) and Vice President of the National Association of African American Honors Programs (NAAAHP). Currently, she is Interim Dean of the School of Humanities & Behavioral Social Sciences and Associate Professor of Literature and Drama and Associate Director of the W. E. B. Du Bois Honors Program at Fisk University.

The Sway: What drew you to your field of study?

Dr. LaTanya Rogers: For me, there has always been something captivating about musicals, especially The Wiz and the Sound of Music. During my childhood, I watched these movies with my family every year during the holidays. This is a core memory. I loved the resolve of the actors, with their glamorous mannerisms and sense of togetherness. The way they animated their lines in those costumes drew me in.

Every night before I slept, I would curl up beside my dad and read. He was then—as he is now—constantly with a book in hand. He read murder mysteries, and I read coming-of-age stories about identity.

By the time I arrived at Howard University in 2001 for graduate school, I had already been shaped by literature, international travel, and science, as these were my primary pursuits in undergrad. I knew I wanted to pursue a doctorate degree that would merge these interests.

TS: What has your academic journey been like?

LR: Literature and drama collided for me at Howard in a way that I found irresistible. Deep engagement with texts, theories, and historical contexts still fascinates me. I loved the strength of character of the faculty in the English Department at Howard. That faculty was then led by Eleanor Traylor and populated by Barbara Griffin, Sandra Shannon, Dana Williams, Victoria Arana, Ann Kelly, John “Tim” Reilly, Jasmin DeGout, Kitty Ellison, Professor Tsumundo, and so many others. It was Tim Reilly who suggested I pursue additional courses to complete the Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) Program. Although he didn’t live long enough to see me complete that program, in 2005 I earned the first-ever awarded PFF “Certificate in College and University Faculty Preparation” from Howard. He was a Wash. U. alumnus, like me; I think he would be proud.

But that’s not all. The first four professors in the faculty list above served on my dissertation committee. Together, they formed a powerhouse team whose strong teaching, publication record, personal example, and influence led me to the professoriate. Because I sought to impress those renowned professors, my dissertation defense in 2005 was the first one to incorporate a PowerPoint presentation. PowerPoint was relatively new then, so using it wasn’t the standard yet.

After completing the PhD at Howard, I taught in the English Department in Locke Hall as an instructor for one year post graduation. Then, I taught for 13 years at the University of the District of Columbia (where I advanced to Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.) This May marks six years at Fisk University in Nashville, TN, where I have been named Interim Dean of the School of Humanities & Behavioral Social Sciences. At Fisk, I also served as Associate Professor of Literature & Drama and director of the W. E. B. Du Bois Honors Program for five years. This gave me an outstanding opportunity to cultivate national relationships, coach students toward winning prestigious awards, and launch my programmatic ideas around innovation and exploration—concepts that were nurtured in the PFF Program at Howard.

TS: What was it like to adjust to full-time academic life? Any advice?

LR: Having a full-time academic life has been my absolute pleasure! During my last semester at Howard I taught English composition to four classes of incoming first year students. This gave me an opportunity to adjust to the workload and the demands of teaching. I often stayed late in my office during those first few years of teaching to grade papers, plan lessons, and build my Blackboard course site because Blackboard was a new technology in 2005. At the University of DC, my department chair, the late Dr. Chester Wright, was extraordinarily supportive. He and other engaged faculty, such as Dr. Helene Krauthamer, protected me with early course releases and plenty of course choice. They were friendly, and they offered me opportunities to serve and lead. They presented as friend and not foe. All of that helped to jumpstart my comfortability as a new professor. It also helps tremendously to have a peer group and a mentor.

TS: What do you think is the impact of your work for the general public?

LR: For me, the opportunity to mentor and inspire students who will become the next generation of literary critics, dramatists, and thinkers is incredibly rewarding. Every day I receive a new opportunity to share my passion and knowledge, guide students in critical thinking and analytical skills, and help undergraduates and graduate students find their creative expression. Most events that I host at Fisk are open to the entire community, such as book events with Jamila Minnicks, Tayari Jones, and Nikole Hannah Jones. I am intentional about staying involved in and with the community.

TS: From your perspective, what is the importance of the humanities in our society?

LR: Literature, drama, and art inspire creativity and imaginative thinking. They encourage us to explore new ideas, express ourselves, and envision different possibilities. This creative impulse is not limited to artistic fields; it drives innovation in all sectors.

I think that engaging with diverse cultures, historical periods, and individual experiences through the Humanities broadens our perspectives and fosters empathy. I am convinced that by understanding different viewpoints and the contexts that shaped them, we become more compassionate and capable of navigating a complex, interconnected world. This is especially crucial in an increasingly polarized society. The Humanities are absolutely the custodians of our collective memory and cultural heritage. They are essential!

TS: How has your academic journey at Howard University’s Graduate School shaped you as a person and an academic?

LR: Many of the world's most pressing problems (e.g., social inequality and ethical dilemmas in technology) are not purely scientific or technical; they have profound human dimensions. Howard University’s Graduate School taught me how to consider human dimensions in a deep and passionate way that prioritizes the humanity of Black people around the world.

Furthermore, studying literature and drama in the English Department at Howard University cultivated my essential skills in critical interpretation. I learned to analyze complex texts, evaluate evidence, construct coherent arguments, and question assumptions. These skills are invaluable in my career path (in any career path) and for informed citizenship. These are the same skills that I now teach to my undergraduate students at Fisk University. This is the powerful legacy of HBCU training

TS: Any career advice for others?

LR: I recommend that graduate students take advantage of as many opportunities as are presented to them: Travel abroad. Dance. Eat good food. Fall in love. Write for The Hilltop. Think on the bright side. Sit by the water. Laugh. Go to office hours. Read. Write. And spend time with your grad school friends. You may end up writing a book with one of them 20 years later, like I did. Cheers!