October 19, 2025
Reginald E. Rogers Jr. has earned the Mizzou Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award. The honor recognizes not only his expertise in chemical engineering but also the energy, empathy and unwavering accessibility he brings to his work with students.
“Reg is an incredible asset to our students and to Mizzou Engineering,” said Jennifer Fiegel, chair of the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. “He combines deep dedication to student success with a visionary perspective on the future of engineering education. His leadership and generosity of spirit make our department and broader community stronger every day. We are immensely proud to count him as a colleague.”
Rogers said he was honored to receive the award.
“Teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs you can undertake,” he said. “It’s not enough to deliver a lecture and call it a day. You are guiding students on a transformational journey.”
Since joining the College of Engineering in 2019, Rogers has demonstrated a student-first approach rooted in mentorship, openness and real-world applications of knowledge. As director of graduate studies for the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, he has led the creation of new academic pathways, including the accelerated master of science degree in chemical engineering.
Rogers’ open-door policy and active mentorship reflect a teaching philosophy grounded in the balance of high expectations paired with compassion and support. Known simply as “Reg” to his students, he is a stable, steadfast presence in their academic, personal and professional growth.
Rogers likened the teacher to a whitewater rafting guide helping people through the technically difficult sections of the river.
“I guide my students through the technically difficult sections of the major,” he said. “I push them to their limits through encouragement and reward them for overcoming their fears. Whether in the classroom or research laboratory, every opportunity is a chance for my students to build their confidence. Regardless of aptitude level, I want them all to succeed. Everyone gets to play because we are all working towards accomplishing the same mission.”
He has received numerous other awards during his time in the College. He was named an Honors College Teaching Fellow in early 2025 and received the Senior Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Minority Affairs Community’s Distinguished Service Award in 2024. He was also the inaugural recipient of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Education Division Award for Excellence in Chemical Engineering Teaching Practice in 2023. He leads the Creative Approaches to Materials Design and Processing Research Experience for Undergraduates, which will have a new focus on infusing data science training into materials design and processing.
Rogers will receive the Distinguished Faculty Award Nov. 7 at the Mizzou Alumni Association’s inaugural Gold Standard Awards.
See more examples of the leadership of Mizzou Engineering’s faculty.