Honoring two lives: Dr. Roger Haggard’s gift of love and opportunity
When Dr. Roger Haggard thinks back on his time at Tennessee Tech University, he remembers
more than just textbooks and engineering labs. His time on campus was filled with
hard work, personal growth and lasting friendships, and it was also where two remarkable
women – Barbara and Gayle – became central to his life. Decades later, their love
and influence inspired him to create the Barbara and Gayle Haggard Scholarship, ensuring
that future students can pursue their own dreams with the same determination and passion
that defined his journey.
Haggard first visited Tech as a high school senior and was immediately struck by its high-tech engineering labs and the beauty of the campus. His five years as an electrical engineering student were filled with academic success and practical experience. On campus, he worked in the cafeteria before and after classes and later in electrical engineering labs under his advisor, Dr. Carl Ventrice. He also landed two full years of co-op assignments – first with South Central Bell Telephone Company in Chattanooga, Tenn., and later with NASA in Huntsville, Ala.
"I loved most of my classes and did well academically," he recalled. "Tech taught me the basics of math, science and engineering, both theory and practice, and how to study and live as an independent adult.”
Active in organizations such as IEEE, Kappa Mu Epsilon, Phi Kappa Phi, Tau Beta Pi and Eta Kappa Nu, Haggard especially valued his relationships with electrical engineering professors O.T. Estes, Dr. Carl Ventrice and Dr. Jon McDearman. Haggard’s senior year included a highlight: an extracurricular computer design project that deepened his passion for engineering.
Haggard’s time at Tech was also marked by the women who would have great impact on his life.
He met Barbara “Barbi” Apel at a high school graduation party in Chattanooga, and the two married in 1969 during Haggard’s second year at Tech. Barbi attended Tech for one year before their young marriage ended in 1972.
Haggard later met Gayle Choate, a Tennessee Tech history major, at church. They married in 1974, raised two children, and built a life filled with travel (visiting all 50 states), service and music. Gayle passed away in 2021 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
In 2022, Haggard and Barbi – both having lost their spouses – reconnected and remarried. Haggard remembers Barbi as a devoted Christian who cherished her family and friends. She delighted in travel, new food and unique experiences. Barbi passed away in December 2024.
After graduating from Tech, Haggard designed, built and tested military electronics at Texas Instruments while earning his master’s in electrical engineering from Southern Methodist University. He then developed industrial computer and communication systems for SCI Technology Inc. Later, he earned his PhD in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech before returning to Tennessee Tech in 1989 as a professor of electrical engineering – a position he held for 23 years.
"I missed the academic environment and wanted to use what I’d learned," he said. "Since I enjoyed learning so much, I thought I’d like to teach and perform research. I had great memories of Tech, and I didn’t want to work anywhere else."
In retirement, Haggard attended Tennessee Tech Retirees Association luncheons and learned about others who established scholarships in honor or memory of loved ones.
“I thought, I’d like to do something to pay Tech back for all it gave to me,” he said. “After my wives passed on, their love inspired me, and I thought the time was right to honor them forever with an endowed scholarship to help bright students with limited resources.”
The Barbara and Gayle Haggard Scholarship will be awarded to electrical and computer engineering students who have significant financial need. For Haggard, the scholarship is more than financial assistance; it’s a legacy of love, faith and perseverance.
“Barbi and Gayle both loved being associated with Tech,” he said. “They were proud that they attended here, and they were proud that I was a professor here. I am so grateful to them for loving me and taking care of our kids.”
Dr. Haggard hopes recipients will excel academically and live fully.
“Find something you’re passionate about – in both life and career,” he said. “Work hard and love deeply. Be grateful for help from others, and pass it on to make the world a better place."