Everett Rogers (deceased)
Social science scholar,
Diffusion of Innovation theorist

Everett M. Rogers, a stalwart in the communication discipline best known for his “Diffusion of Innovations” theory, most recently served as Distinguished Professor at the University of New Mexico’s Communication and Journalism Department. Rogers wrote more than 30 books and 400 articles during his career. A former president of the International Communication Association, Rogers previously served as the Janet M. Peck Professor of International Communication at Stanford University and the Walter H. Annenberg Professor at the University of Southern California. His classic book Diffusion of Innovations (Free Press, 2003), first published in 1962, is the second most cited book in the social sciences. Emblematic of his life’s work, Rogers owned the copyright.

Professor Rogers was a humanitarian, teacher, scholar and mentor with a brilliant mind and a warm heart. He conducted scholarly research for more than 47 years, since earning his Ph.D. from Iowa State University. Rogers was known internationally for research he conducted in many countries, including the United States, Colombia, India, Korea, Brazil, Nigeria and Tanzania.

Rogers won numerous awards including the Distinguished Rural Sociologist Award, Rural Sociological Society, 1986; the Wayne Danielson Award for Distinguished Contributions to Communication Scholarship, 1999; the International Communication Association/National Communication Association Outstanding Health Communication Scholar Award, 1999; the Lifetime Achievement Award, Division of Intercultural and Development Communication, International Communication Association, 2000; and the Lewis Donohew Outstanding Scholar in Health Communication Award, 2002.