Terence Rodgers
News
Pioneering Professor Terence Rodgers set to retire after 47 years of service to BSU
Thursday, 30 January, 2025Bath Spa University is proud to boast a community of passionate minds, across our cohort of students, alumni and staff. It can be argued that no one better embodies that longevity and passion than Dr Terence Rodgers, a key player in BSU’s Film and Media department.
A pioneer in shaping how BSU looks today, Terence, or Terry as he’s better known to friends, joined what was then known as Bath College of Higher Education in September 1978 and has been an integral part of the University since. Designing and delivering some of the University’s flagship courses throughout the decades, including Cultural Studies, Film TV and Digital Production, and Film and Screen Studies, 2025 marks the end of an era as Terry enters retirement.
Reflecting on his time at Bath Spa University, Terry said:
“When I first started in 1978, I was immediately taken by the environment and the passion of the people working here. I’ve always loved the South West, I used to visit when I was younger so Bath has always felt like home.
Developing courses comes with a great sense of achievement. You feel as though you have contributed to the common good as it were, and the development of students. The people I’ve met, be it students or staff, have been an important part of my life and I’m fortunate to continue many of those connections.”
As Bath Spa University enters its 20th anniversary year, Terry spoke about the moment that BSU was awarded full status as a university in 2005, marking what he describes as the ‘long march’:
“A lot of energy went into getting full University status. I was involved in that process with a lot of other people and it’s amazing to think we’re now in our 20th year. If you asked me to pinpoint the biggest change, I would say the self-confidence we now have as an organisation. We have a clarity of mission and a clear identity as to who we want to be.”
Specialising in teaching subjects such as Film Noir and Media History, Terry is also a valued member of many communities outside of BSU, utilising his extensive knowledge to push boundaries and drive high standards.
Touching on his relationship with the student community, Terry continued:
“I’ve always been committed to widening educational opportunities and It’s been a real privilege to watch so many students develop through my time here. Giving them and seeing them take the opportunities has been hugely satisfying.”
It isn’t just the students that Terry has impacted but also those fortunate enough to have worked alongside him during his time.
Rebecca Feasey, Subject Leader in Media and Critical Studies, reflected on her relationship with Terry:
“I was interviewed and appointed by Terry over twenty years ago as he looked to expand the Media Communications course. Since then, he has added Creative Media, Film and Screen Studies and Film, TV and Digitial Production to the suite of courses available in his area.
He role-models passion and enthusiasm for his subject alongside professionalism and compassion. In short, Terry is not just an asset to BSU, he is BSU and I am delighted that he maintains his connections with us in his new position.”
To celebrate over 40 years of dedicated service to Bath Spa University, Terry is being made an Emeritus Professor, the first to be bestowed that honour in Film and Media.
“It’s always been more than just a job. I feel very fortunate that I’ve had a career which I’ve found to be so satisfying and fruitful. To be able to still have access to these incredible facilities and to continue my work is a dream come true.”