Participation in a professional development opportunity offered to educators by the University of West Alabama’s College of Education was the starting point for Gwendolyn Rogers of Linden to earn a full scholarship to a unique online graduate program in the United Kingdom.
UWA alumna Gwendolyn Rogers has been awarded a full scholarship to a prestigious online graduation program at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. Rogers say the master’s program in character education will deepen her work in civic leadership and education, her interest spurred by a UWA initiative rooted in character development for educators.
Rogers says the opportunity aligns with her long-standing commitment to youth development and community engagement. Elected mayor of the City of Linden in Marengo County in 2020, she also serves in several coordinator roles within the local school system and has taught middle and high school English and was a middle school principal. She’ll begin the graduate program in September.
“This program will give me the tools to impact young people and strengthen initiatives in the community—both in my role as mayor and in education,” Rogers says. “I never imagined I’d be a part of a something like this —but I’m thrilled I am.”
Rogers hold three degrees from UWA, a bachelor’s degree in English education (1998), and both a master’s and education specialist degree in school counseling (2001), (2011).
When attending the professional development seminar hosted by UWA’s College of Education as part of the federally-funded Project Grow initiative, Rogers met Dr. Andrew Peterson of the University of Birmingham’s Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues. His work struck a chord with Rogers, inspiring her to apply for the program.
Dr. Andrea Mayfield, serving as director of Project Grow and the character seminar series at UWA, supported Rogers throughout the process. She connected Rogers with the Kern Family Foundation, which supported the establishment of Project Grow in 2022. “When I learned about this scholarship opportunity, I knew it aligned with Gwen’s aspirations and could help her accomplish her goals,” says Mayfield.
As Rogers embarks on this new academic journey, she plans to apply what she learns to her leadership efforts in Linden and throughout the Black Belt region.