Dean L. Rogan Sr. A 59-Year Legacy of Healing, Leadership, and Service to Community

Dean L. Rogan Sr. A 59-Year Legacy of Healing, Leadership, and Service to Community

By lwilliams@semourbanvoices.com - November 24, 2025

PULASKI, Ill. — For nearly six decades, Dean L. Rogan Sr. has served as a pillar of professionalism, compassion, and community leadership in southern Illinois. From breaking barriers in pharmacy education to leading the Village of Pulaski for more than two decades, Mr. Rogan’s life is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of service.

Now, as he reflects on a career spanning 59 years, Mr. Rogan is being recognized with one of the highest honors in his field — the Illinois Pharmacists Association Foundation (IPhA) Lifetime Service Award for 2025. The award will be presented on Saturday, October 11, during the President’s Gala at the IPhA Annual Conference, with a social reception beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“You are joining an elite group of Illinois pharmacists,” the announcement reads. “This award is well-deserved.”

This honor marks another milestone in a life defined by trailblazing achievements. In 1965, Mr. Rogan made history as the first Black student to graduate with honors from Brooke Army Medical Center, a distinction that set the tone for a career rooted in excellence and innovation. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Illinois in 1971, solidifying the academic foundation that would guide his professional life.

Before founding his own pharmacy, Mr. Rogan built a stellar résumé that included service in both hospital and military pharmacy systems and leadership roles in nationally recognized pharmaceutical organizations. These experiences gave him a comprehensive understanding of patient care — from clinical precision to community engagement.

In 1995, he opened Rogan’s Country Pharmacy, located at 201 E. Commercial Avenue in Pulaski, Illinois. Nearly three decades later, the pharmacy remains a cornerstone of the community, offering personalized prescription care, immunizations, diabetes management, and free local delivery. Residents describe it as more than a business — it’s a trusted community institution.

“Rogan’s is a blessing to our area,” one loyal customer shared. “It’s a nice, home-like pharmacy. Everyone there is kind and caring — and if there’s ever an issue, they fix it right away.”

“When we say Mr. Rogan knows his customers, we mean he really knows them — by name, by story, by heart.”

“We’re proud to have someone like him representing our community on a state and national level. This recognition is long overdue.” Pulaski County Resident

Pulaski may be a small town, but Mr. Rogan’s impact reaches far beyond it. He’s shown what it means to lead with compassion.

Under Mr. Rogan’s leadership, Rogan’s Country Pharmacy has earned a reputation for affordability, compassion, and reliability — qualities that reflect his lifelong belief that healthcare is both a science and a service. His dedication to accurate, timely prescription delivery and patient-centered care has set a standard for independent pharmacies throughout the region.

To remain active and informed in his field, Mr. Rogan has maintained memberships in numerous professional organizations, including the Illinois Pharmacists Association, the American Pharmacists Association, the American Pharmacy Cooperative Inc., and the National Community Pharmacists Association.

Beyond his professional success, Mr. Rogan’s civic leadership runs deep. He served as Mayor of Pulaski for over 20 years, guiding the village with the same quiet strength and vision that defines his pharmacy work. Pulaski, located near the Ohio River in southern Illinois, continues to benefit from his steady hand and deep commitment to community growth.

As he looks toward the future, Mr. Rogan envisions scaling back his workload to prioritize his health, while preparing the next generation to carry forward his legacy. “I owe so much to my team,” he says with humility. “Their dedication to helping others and serving our community has made all the difference.”

Away from the pharmacy counter, Mr. Rogan finds his greatest joy in his family — his devoted wife, their four children, and the love that anchors his remarkable journey.

This fall, as he accepts the 2025 IPhA Lifetime Service Award, Mr. Rogan stands not just as a pharmacist, but as a symbol of perseverance and purpose — a man who turned his profession into a lifelong ministry of care.