Dr. Douglas Lee Ragland retired as Superintendent of the Midfield City School System September 1, 2010, after 34 years of service in education in 4 respective school systems in the state of Alabama.
During his career, he served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, personnel coordinator, hearing officer, and superintendent of two respective school districts.
Prior to being appointed to Superintendent of the Midfield City School System, Dr. Ragland served as Superintendent in the Greene County School System from 2004-2007.
Dr. Ragland served in the Birmingham City School System as Hearing Officer Supervisor (2003-04), Personnel Coordinator (1998-2003), Assistant Principal (1989-90), and Teacher (1978-89).
Dr. Ragland served in the Eufaula City School System as Principal of Western Heights Elementary School from 1990-98, during which time he gained national recognition for the state of Alabama when he was selected as the 1998 Alabama National Distinguished Principal.
Dr. Ragland is very active in the community and has been appointed, selected, elected, and confirmed to serve as follows: the Alabama Educational Television Foundation Authority Board by the Alabama Educational Television Commission 2022, Commissioner Mentor for the National Interstate Children’s Compact Commission 2022, the Governor’s Office Board of Minority Affairs 2021-present, the Alabama Purple Star Schools Committee formed by the Alabama Legislature 2021-present, Alabama Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commissioner (Governor’s Appointment) 2017-present, Chair of the Alabama Council for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission 2017-present, Member of the National Council for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (Governor’s Appointment) 2017-present, University of Alabama at Birmingham National Alumni Association Board of Directors 2016-present, Chief Administrator, Leadership Team Member, and Chief Financial Officer for Upper Room Fellowship Church 2000- present, and Alabama Corrections Department Prison Ministry for Upper Room Fellowship Church 2013-present.
Dr. Ragland’s past leadership appointments are as follows: The University of Alabama at Birmingham In-service Board 2019-21, The Alabama Educational Television Commissioner for 7th Congressional District (Governor’s Appointment and Senate Confirmation) 2019, Alabama Educational Television Foundation Authority Board (Governor’s Appointment and Senate Confirmation) 2019, Vice President of the Birmingham Board of Education (2017-2019) and District 1 Representative, 2017-2021, Birmingham Planning Commission (City Council Appointment) 2011-2018, Executive Board of the Birmingham Planning Commission 2012-2018, Chair of the Birmingham Planning Commission Nominating Committee 2017-2018, Birmingham Comprehensive Planning Committee 2011-2018, Birmingham Comprehensive Planning Implementation Committee 2017-2018, Birmingham Comprehensive Planning Prosperity and Opportunity Subcommittee 2017-2018, Birmingham Zoning and Advisory Committee 2011-2018, and Birmingham Public Building Authority Board (City Council Appointment) 2013-2019.
In addition to the aforementioned, Dr. Ragland is also a proud Leadership Alabama Class XVI Graduate.
Dr. Ragland received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Alabama where he was named the Most Outstanding Doctoral Student in Educational Leadership. He also holds Bachelors, Masters, and Education Specialist Degrees, as well as Class A and AA Certifications, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership.
Dr. Ragland espouses and contributes his success to the 6 P’s: Prayer, Principles, Perseverance, Patience, Progress, and Planning.
Dr. Ragland is married to the former Ms. Teresa Wiggins, and they reside in Birmingham, Alabama.