Photo of Vance D.

Vance D. Rogers*

NARRATIVE:
Vance was one of the top 100 influential Nebraskans during his lifetime. He arrived in Lincoln in 1953 to serve as pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church and became president of Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1957 and through his work, enabled the school to build a new campus center, library, dormitories, Olin Science Hall, Smith Curtis Administration building, Rogers Center for Fine Arts and the Elder theater. In all of the positions Vance held, he was always serving others and making a contribution to the great state of Nebraska.  His wife Barbara wrote: "Vance gave back because of his strong faith in God and His teachings, his great love of people, and his desire to be of service when needed."  

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
National Bank of Commerce, advisory director, customer & community relations, Lincoln, NE 1987-1994
Larry Price and Associates, senior associate/vice president, Lincoln, NE, 1986-1990
Lincoln Foundation, interim president, Lincoln, NE, 1986-1987
Lincoln Foundation, staff consultant, Lincoln, NE, 1980-1986
Pure Water, Inc., CEO and chairman, 1978-1979
State of Nebraska, candidate for governor, republican primary, 1978
Nebraska Wesleyan University, president, Lincoln, NE, 1957-1977
Trinity Methodist Church, minister, Lincoln, NE, 1953-1957
Methodist Church, minister, Brookfield, IL, 1946-1953
U.S. Navy, chaplain, 1943-1946
First Methodist Church, minister, Dundee, IL, 1941-1943

EDUCATION:
Harvard University, Institute for College and University Presidents, Cambridge, MA, 1958
Northwestern University, graduate work, Evanston, IL, 1940-1941
Garrett Graduate School of Theology, master of divinity, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 1938-1941
Hamline University, A.B., St. Paul, MN, 1936-1938
Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN, 1934-1936
Lake City High School, Lake City, MN, 1933

PERSONAL:
Wife: Barbara (Yarwood)
Children: Nancy Ann, Mary Lou

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