June Scobee Rodgers, Ph.D

The widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Dick Scobee, June Scobee Rodgers remembers every one of the 73 seconds leading up to the Challenger accident. It marked the first time American lives were lost in space flight. An inspiration to everyone she meets, June has dedicated her life to writing, speaking, and education.

June holds a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and a Master’s from Chapman College, both in Curriculum and Instruction. June is married to retired Army Lieutenant General Don Rodgers.

As an author, June has touched the lives of countless people through her heroic persistence during difficult times. June’s story of triumph, chronicled in Silver Linings: My Life Before and After Challenger 7, has been featured on Robert Schuller’s Hour of Power, and in Women’s Day, LIFE, Southern Living, and Guideposts magazines.

As a speaker, June has challenged thousands of people through her motivational and contagious personality. Providing the keynote for the National Prayer Breakfast Dinner and the Testimony to the President’s Commission to Moon, Mars and Beyond, June speaks honestly and thoughtfully to each of her audiences.

As an educator, June serves as a Founding Chairman for the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, where each year over 500,000 students participate in space programs. As a nationally recognized advocate for the advancement of science and math education, June has appeared on numerous national television programs promoting innovative educational partnerships, and has served on the President’s National Advisory Council on Education. 

June has been nationally recognized and honored with countless awards during her professional career, including the National Eagle Award, the Women’s International Center’s Living Legacy Award, the Spirit of Volunteerism, and in 2000, the National Award for Excellence in Leadership.

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