It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of former Athletic Director and Associate Professor William Ben Rogers Sr., on April 4, 2023. He began his career with Middle Georgia College (Cochran Campus) on September 1, 1968, as the Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director. During his tenure, he was named the Georgia Coach of the Year seven times. A 2013 news article announcing Mr. Rogers' induction into the Decatur County Sports Hall of Fame recorded the following statement regarding his accomplishments:
“Rogers, who was inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998, and was named as the Region 17 NJCAA Director of the Year in 1981, took his 1978 and 1980 teams at Middle Georgia College to region championships that earned them the rights to play in the NJCAA National Tournament.”
Mr. Rogers also served as an associate professor of math and in 1999, the Board of Regents honored him with the role of Associate Professor Emeritus of Math and Physical Education. After 31 years of service, Mr. Rogers retired in 1999; however, he continued teaching as an adjunct professor for several years.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 7, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. in Cochran First Baptist Church 101 2nd St., Cochran, GA 31014. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Cochran Playground Fund, 101 SE 2nd St, Cochran, GA 31014. Additional information about the life and legacy of Mr. Ben Rogers can be found here.
Ben Rogers was truly an icon, who made a significant impact on Middle Georgia College and the Cochran community. The Middle Georgia State University family extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and former colleagues of Mr. Ben Rogers.
