Millennium_12th Edition_Marilynn Smiley

76 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine EDUCATION BRIAN ABEL RAGEN, PHD EMERITUS PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Saint Louis, MO Harboring a deep love and appreciation for literature from a formative age, Dr. Brian Abel Ragen was influenced to enter the field of academia by his aunt, who became a loving guardian to Dr. Ragen and served as a professor of history at San Diego State University. Dr. Ragen’s aunt served as a prime example of what an educator should be; as such, he wished to emulate her in his professional career. To prepare for his career, he attended Pomona College, from which he received a Bachelor of Arts in 1980. Following this feat, he earned a Master of Arts and a PhD from Princeton University in 1983 and 1987, respectively. Following his receipt of his master’s degree, Dr. Ragen commenced his career the subsequent year as a lecturer at Princeton University. He remained in this role until 1988, while concurrently serving Bryn Mawr College in the same capacity between 1986 and 1987. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Ragen relocated to the State of Illinois and joined the faculty of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Notably, he began his tenure with the Edwardsville-based university in 1988, serving as an assistant, associate and full professor of English until 1993. During this time, Dr. Ragen returned to Bryn Mawr College, where he excelled as an assistant, associate and full professor, as well. Following his retirement, he continued his academic endeavors in China, where he was a visiting professor at Hong Kong Baptist University in 2010. Since 2013, he has been recognized as an emeritus professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Alongside his primary vocational pursuits, Dr. Ragen thoroughly enjoys the creative arts within the realms of music and authorship. In 2018, he produced the music album “Words to Music: Songs of Eugene Field featuring Christine Brewer and Scott Kennebeck.” Likewise, he penned “A Wreck on the Road to Damascus” in 1989, as well as a paper titled “Tom Wolfe: A Critical Comparison” in 2002. Furthermore, Dr. Ragen has contributed extensively to a myriad of professional publications, including acclaimed articles on heraldry, hymnity and literary canon. For his revered and recognized

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