Jake Rogers is moving towards a career in law after being selected as a recipient of the highly competitive Hatton W. Sumners Scholarship through SMU Dedman School of Law. Awarded to only a handful of students each year, the scholarship recognizes academic excellence and a commitment to leadership and civic engagement.
Rogers is a Little Rock, Arkansas native who is graduating with degrees in political
science and Spanish for Business Professions. He knew early on that he wanted to pursue
a legal career and his time at TCU and the John V. Roach Honors College has helped
him stay on that path.
“Taking law school-style courses at TCU confirmed that this is what I want to do,” Rogers said. “I’ve also been able to build relationships with professors and peers who share similar goals, which has been incredibly valuable.”
Rogers has been deeply involved in the John V. Roach Honors College community during his college career. He built a strong bond with students, faculty and staff while serving as a student assistant. He also spent three years as an Honors mentor, guiding first-year students as they adjusted to college life.
“I’ve really appreciated how Roach Honors creates a strong sense of community through both social and academic events,” he said. “Being able to support new students has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my experience.”
One of Rogers’ most memorable Honors experiences took place abroad. During the summer
of 2024, he traveled to Japan through Honors Abroad, where he explored the country’s
culture and history.
“I was especially interested in visiting historical sites in Kyoto,” he said. “Getting to see Kiyomizu Temple in person was something I had looked forward to since I first learned about it in fifth grade.”
Rogers also found meaningful learning experiences in the classroom, particularly in courses that emphasized hands-on and student-led learning. His favorite class was City as Text: Fort Worth, which brought students to different parts of the city each week to explore its history and contemporary issues.
“It was a unique way to learn,” he said. “We were able to explore, lead discussions
and really engage with the community around us.”
As he prepares for law school, Rogers carries forward both the academic preparation and the sense of community he found at TCU and the John V. Roach Honors College.