Hi, I’m Ragus

More specifically, I’m Elmer Ragus. As you can see from my tagline (Husband, Father, Educator, Graphic Designer, Web Designer, and Photographer), life provides me the opportunity to be many things. I recently relocated to Madison, Alabama, with my family of 4…well, 5 if you count our lovely feline.

Educational Background

  • Doctor of Education (EdD), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
  • Education Specialist (EdS), University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Missouri
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Missouri
  • Bachelor of Science (BS), University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Missouri
contact Me
  • Evrette and I are at Pagosa Springs, Colorado
  • road trip to Arizona – July 2020
  • Evrette and I by the Animas River in Durango, Colorado
  • Going north on S. Maguire St. (formerly Hwy. 13) showing the pedestrian bridge at the University of Central Missouri
  • The exit sign for the University of Central Missouri on W. Hwy. 50 used to feature the Maastricht Friendship Tower
  • Ragus is showing his Mules pride with his shirt, shorts, and license plate
  • Flags from left to right: State of Missouri, U.S.A., and University of Central Missouri
  • Eidan and I by the University of Central Missouri at the corner of E. Clark St. and S. Maguire St.
  • Commencement! Can you find me?
  • by the Central Missouri State University sign before the name change
  • Evrette is checking out the remodelled portion of the University Union at the University of Central Missouri
  • student project to decorate one wall in our computer lab for the Graphic Technologies program at the University of Central Missouri
  • Ragus is feeding a horse
  • driving through Asheville, North Carolina

Early on

Before Sedalia, Missouri, I lived in Warrensburg, Missouri, because I was attending the University of Central Missouri (formerly known as Central Missouri State University) for my undergraduate studies.

And before Warrensburg you ask? Well, I went straight from my little tropical island home of Saipan, USA, after graduating from high school to the heart of the mainland. There was culture shock for sure…and weather shock.

Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I love the colors of fall! Winter is fun the first week of two, along with the first snow or two. After that, “fun” would not be the word I would use! Spring is ok too with the blossoming trees. But man, I could do without the allergies. And then I have to say that my tropical heat from childhood is nothing compared to these Midwestern summers!

As for my career, I’ve taken on the role of Graphic Designer, Supervisor, Manager, and Creative Associate in a few different organizations from the graphic communication industry. These include a newspaper, two marketing agencies, a commercial printer, and a national yearbook company.

Current

I have come full circle by working at the very institution that I attended as a student. I have been working as a full-time faculty member of the University of Central Missouri since August 2014.

During my time here, I have taught various courses in Graphic Technologies and Professional Photography for the School of Technology.

More recently, I have taken on the additional role of faculty liaison where I am that link between faculty and other offices on campus or outside vendors. This position allows me to be a part of teams responsible for redesigning and reimagining old learning spaces to become amazing active learning and distance learning spaces, complete with high technology and appropriate furnishings.

I’ve also had the chance to use my Education Specialist background in Educational Technology to assist colleagues at the College of Health, Science, and Technology. For example, I collaborated with a Chemistry faculty member to create an online version of an introductory Chemistry course. Also, I provide training in the use of technology in the classroom.