Rate My Professor Miriam Ragland

Miriam Ragland serves as Professor of Theatre in the Drama Department at Presbyterian College, where she has been a dedicated faculty member for 24 years. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Performance Studies from Northwestern University, a Master’s of Advocacy and Social Policy from Furman University, and a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of Memphis, where her program emphasized teaching and included a teaching assistantship that confirmed her calling to the classroom. After graduating, Ragland spent a year working as a freelance theatre artist in Seattle but soon realized her true passion lay in education. She applied to positions nationwide and, upon visiting Presbyterian College, fell in love with the campus, leading her to join the institution around 2002. A lifelong devotee of the performing arts, Ragland grew up dancing ballet until a broken ankle shifted her focus; she discovered theatre during a high school play audition, igniting a profound enthusiasm for its possibilities.

Ragland teaches a range of courses, including Introduction to Theatre, Devised Theatre, Theatre for Social Change, and African American Theatre. Her research interests and areas of specialty are theatre for social change and devising original work. As both director and professor, she prioritizes fostering inclusive spaces: "I focus on creating a place where everyone feels welcome and where creativity is able to flow. I am experienced at facilitating dialogue workshops, where I encourage folks to learn how to discuss controversial topics and to deeply listen." In 2014, she was honored with the Award for Innovative Teaching by the South Carolina Theatre Festival and American College of Theatre Festival. Presently, Ragland plays a key role in strengthening the performing arts program by refurbishing the long-dormant black box theatre in Harper Arts Center, establishing a partnership with Laurens County Community Theatre for alternating spring and fall productions, and supporting the integration of drama, art, and music into the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. These initiatives promote collaborative artistry to elevate performing arts at Presbyterian College.