WSSU professor Keisha Rogers earns national Black Mental Health Educator of the Year Award
Dr. Keisha Grayson Rogers, professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling and chair of the Faculty Senate at Winston-Salem State University, has been named the 2026 Black Mental Health Educator of the Year by the Black Mental Health Symposium.
Rogers was recognized Sept. 11 during the Black Mental Health Symposium Awards Ceremony, held as part of the organization’s 10th annual conference, themed “Remember. Reset. Reclaim.”
The award recognizes a scholar or professor who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to training the next generation of culturally humble and socially conscious counselors while advancing excellence in Black mental health education.
Rogers was selected for her contributions to counselor education, mentorship and advocacy. Throughout her career, she has focused on preparing rehabilitation and clinical mental health counselors to provide culturally responsive, ethical and evidence-based services to people from diverse backgrounds. Her teaching emphasizes cultural humility, social justice, advocacy and reducing mental health disparities affecting historically underserved communities.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Black Mental Health Educator of the Year Award,” Rogers said. “This recognition affirms the importance of preparing counselors who lead with cultural humility, compassion and a commitment to social justice. I share this honor with my students, colleagues and the Winston-Salem State University community, whose dedication to excellence continues to inspire my work every day.”
At WSSU, Rogers has mentored graduate students, supported professional development opportunities and fostered leadership among future counseling professionals. Through her scholarship, externally funded initiatives, community engagement and service to the counseling profession, she has worked to strengthen the behavioral health workforce and expand access to high-quality mental health care for underserved populations.
As Faculty Senate chair, Rogers provides leadership in support of shared governance, academic excellence and initiatives that advance the university’s mission. Her work in teaching, mentorship and service continues to make an impact on students, colleagues and the counseling profession.
Rogers’ work supports WSSU’s We Are Rising 2030 strategic vision to strengthen academic excellence, prepare graduates for high-demand careers and deepen the university’s impact on the communities it serves.
