While projecting a conservative be-suited image, Rogers viewed himself as an agent of change. In a 2004 interview, he stated, “I wanted this institution to feel the power and joy of change... And that we had to do it as one museum, that we couldn’t do this as a collection of departments and special interests. We’re all in the same boat.” As a result, and working in a reactionary cultural environment, his directorship was not without moments of intense controversy, fanned by media interest.