Bryan Rogers, who retired as the University of Michigan art school's dean in 2012 after 12 years in the position, died Tuesday.

Bryan Rogers

U-M Photo

He died in his home after a lengthy battle with illness. He is survived by his wife, Cynthi, and son, Kyle.

Rogers, a practicing artist and a writer, was the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design's longest-serving dean. He came to Ann Arbor in 2000. Prior to that, he led the School of Art at Carnegie Mellon University and held positions at UC-Berkeley and San Francisco State University and Carnegie Mellon University.

Born in Texas, Rogers graduated from Yale University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Engineering degree. He also received a Master of Science, Master of Arts and Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley.

Rogers is credited with giving the art school a global reach and encouraging creative approaches to fields not often associated with art, such as engineering and medicine. Under his leadership, all art students were encouraged to study abroad. The number of faculty doubled and the school founded Arts Engine, a campus program that facilitates the arts in architecture and engineering.

"The engaging learning that students experience in the Stamps School of Art & Design is due to the vision and leadership of Bryan Rogers," President Mary Sue Coleman said in a statement. "His belief in a program that is global, creative and connected led to dramatic changes that advanced the Stamps School."

Plans for a memorial haven't been announced yet, but cards and notes for Rogers family may be sent to Stamps School Dean’s Office, 2000 Bonisteel Blvd., Ann Arbor MI, 48109.

Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.