Dr. Tommy L. Bogger grew up in Williamsburg, Virginia and attended Bruton Heights School. Dr. Bogger completed his Ph.D. in 1968 and joined the faculty at Norfolk State University in 1969 as a Professor of History. During his time at NSU, he served as Director of the Lyman Beecher Brooks Memorial Library and Director of the Harrison B. Wilson Archives. 

He has written several books, including Since 1776: The History of First Baptist Church Williamsburg, Virginia and Free Blacks in Norfolk, 1790-1860: The Darker Side of Freedom, which received an Honorable Mention from the Library of Virginia. 

Dr. Bogger has also been active in the community, lending his expertise as Literary Judge with the Library of Virginia, a Board Member of the Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau Training and Research Foundation, a Board Member of the Norfolk Historical Society, and a member of the Sub-Committee on Historic Homes for the Chrysler Museum. He is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.