Roger is a national leader in research, advocacy and policymaking on the problem of homelessness in America. He is Professor Emeritus at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work, having taught at the university for 30 years. He received his Ph.D. from Tulane University. In addition to his teaching, he is an experienced mental health practitioner. He directed the implementation of the Ten-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness for the Mayors of Knoxville and Knox County. Upon retirement from the University in 2000, he began working with the Public Defender’s Office in 2000 as a Forensic Social Worker.