Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce that Robert Rogers will deliver the commencement address to the graduating class during the Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony, which will take place on December 13 at 9 a.m.

Rogers, a Columbia native, attended Columbia State before transferring to Middle Tennessee State University, where he graduated cum laude in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a major in marketing.

After college, Rogers was taken under his grandfather’s wing when he began working at Parks Motor Sales. As time went on, he managed each department within the dealership before assuming the role of general manager in 2008. 

He now serves as the dealer principal, continuing the dealership’s seven-decade-long legacy of being in the Columbia community.

Rogers currently serves on the Columbia State Community College Foundation Board. His previous service includes the board of directors for the Maury Alliance, chairman of the Frontier District of the Boy Scouts of America — where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout — and has an active membership in the Columbia Kiwanis Club.

Outside of his time at the dealership, Rogers takes part in the group Mental Mules, who are dedicated to raising funds for local charities through their annual 24-hour walk. Over $100,000 has been raised so far by the group to support local causes.

The commencement ceremony will take place in the Webster Athletic Center gymnasium on the Columbia Campus. 

The commencement ceremony will be streamed live for remote viewing. The ceremony can be found at www.ColumbiaState.edu/Graduation.

For the safety of students, faculty, staff and guests, security personnel will conduct a speedy inspection of all bags, purses and containers. The following items will not be allowed inside or outside during the commencement ceremonies: weapons, strollers, alcohol, laser pointers, lawn chairs, drones, glass containers or any other items deemed unacceptable by Columbia State security or staff.

For a full list of prohibited items, parking, special seating information or further details regarding commencement, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Graduation. 

Guests should plan to arrive at 8 a.m. as seating is limited. Overflow seating will be available in the Ledbetter Auditorium in the Frank G. Clement Building. The Webster Athletic Center is on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.