A Tribute to Everett Rogers

by Kenneth L. Hacker

October 25, 2004

Professor Everett Rogers recently passed away and this was very sad news for those of us who knew him as a scholar and liked him as a friend.  His death is a great loss to his colleagues and to the discipline of communication.

Rogers made many important contributions to the study of human communication and communication technologies. These include his work on systems, diffusion theory, and computer-mediated communication.
I have never taught a class in communication technologies where I have not praised the work of Rogers helping communication scientists to focus on systems approaches to social interaction.

I first met Professor Rogers shortly after earning my doctorate in communication at the University of Oregon.  I told him that I was using his book titled Communication Tecnology as my course text. He told me that he should buy me lunch for using his book and we had a great conversation about information theory, cybernetics, and communication.  In my position in communication at Michigan Tech, I was doing work with geologists on problems that volcanologists have with news media and citizens concerning volcanic dangers. We used Rogers work on communication systems to formulate a systems approach to creating information and communication systems that might guide scientists in communicating with lay communities. 

At my present position at New Mexico State University, I have used Rogers work on diffusion theory and communication systems to influence my studies in communication technologies and recently in the study of terrorism communication. 

Rogers has been a strong influence and resource in my intellectual and professional development.  I will miss his gentle spirit and strong intellect. I am sure that his contribution to the study of communication will last for many years and influence many more people.