Rodger Smith

Prof. Rodger Smith is a senior instructor in Communication at George Mason University. He is currently teaching COMM 359 Media Management, COMM 148 Podcasting & Radio Workshop I, COMM 354 Podcasting Production, COMM 348 Podcasting & Radio Workshop II, COMM 101 Fundamentals of Communication, COMM 397 Live Sports Broadcasting and COMM 372 Sports and the Media.

He is the faculty adviser for WGMU, the campus online radio station. WGMU serves as the voice of George Mason University, providing student-produced programming and coverage of George Mason men's and women's basketball.

Prof. Smith produces the podcast Voices of Mason, featuring conversations with George Mason University alumni who majored in Communication, produced content in Student Media or both! Each episode explores their academic journey, campus involvement, career paths, and how their Mason experience shaped their professional lives. From journalism and broadcasting to strategic communication and digital media, Voices of Mason amplifies the stories, lessons, and voices of Mason graduates making an impact beyond campus. Listen on Apple. Listen on Spotify.

Prof. Smith’s interest in Communication came from an interest in the cause and effect of programming and how the media affects culture, daily life, and technology. His previous work in radio includes WFTR Front Royal, VA, where he was a news director (1986-1988), sports director and mid-day on-air talent (1988-1989), and morning drive personality (1990-1992). He also worked as an advertising account executive/production director for WUSQ, Winchester, VA.

Prof. Smith is the director of the WGMU Summer Podcast and Radio Camp, geared for middle and high school students who have an interest in radio. The radio camp consists of two one-week sessions in July, during which students learn basic radio skills in writing and producing commercial and news items as well as delivering on-air breaks. They also get to tour a local commercial radio station.  Read this article for more information. 

Professor Smith and his wife, Martha, reside in Stephens City, VA.