Dr. Blake Rogers ’14 has been named director of the University of Lynchburg’s doctor of medical science (DMSc) program. He joined the faculty in 2024 as associate program director.
According to a university news release, Rogers played a pivotal role in launching a comprehensive redesign that modernized the program’s structure, expanded its reach, and strengthened its position as a leading doctoral pathway for physician associates. “I’m honored by the trust placed in me and deeply grateful to the leaders, mentors, and colleagues who paved the way for my growth,” he said.
He holds a DMSc from the University of Lynchburg, a master of physician assistant studies from James Madison University, and a bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental sustainability from EMU.
Rogers said EMU prepared him by grounding his education in service, perspective, and purpose. “My intercultural experience in Bolivia with Dr. Doug Graber Neufeld expanded my understanding of global health and challenged me to think beyond my own context,” he said. “At the same time, Dr. Carolyn Stauffer‘s Sociology of Health course helped me see how social, cultural, and systemic factors shape patient outcomes. Together, those experiences shaped not only my career path, but how I lead and serve today.”
Dr. Tara Kishbaugh, dean of faculty and student success, taught Rogers in general chemistry when he was a student at EMU. She said he showed a strong sense of civic engagement and confidence in his coursework, along with exceptional leadership and a commitment to service.
“I am thrilled to see him take on this leadership role in an educational setting and look forward to seeing how he inspires others to reach their academic potential while giving back to their communities,” she said.
Clockwise from top left: Blake Rogers ’14 helps Clover Hill EMTs check inventory in one of their ambulances at the station in 2014. | Rogers speaks during a 2015 workshop for the Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation District. | Then a physician assistant student at JMU, Rogers receives the 2018 PA Student of the Year Award. | Rogers ’14 and Matt Tieszen ’10, MA ’15 (biomedicine), return from an elective clinical rotation at Shirati KTM Hospital in Tanzania in 2018.
This isn’t the first time Rogers has been featured in EMU News.
While a double major at EMU, he volunteered with the Clover Hill Volunteer Fire Co. and interned at the Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation District, where he was hired after graduation. As a grad student at JMU, he received the 2018 Physician Assistant Student of the Year award and completed a clinical rotation at a hospital in Tanzania.
Rogers spent his EMU intercultural experience studying biology and Spanish in Bolivia and the Galápagos Islands. A medical mission team experience in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, confirmed his desire to enter the medical field.
At the University of Lynchburg, Rogers said his favorite course to instruct is Ethics and Regulation of AI, where he guides students through modern dilemmas in health care. “I remain deeply influenced by EMU’s emphasis on service, community, and global perspective as we prepare clinicians to lead and serve in a rapidly evolving health care landscape,” he said.
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