Gerald Lee Ratliff is an award-winning author of numerous articles and textbooks in classroom teaching strategies and performance activities. He has served as national president of the Eastern Communication Association, Association of Communication Administration, and Theta Alpha Phi, the national theatre fraternity. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by both the Eastern Communication Association and Theta Alpha Phi, named a Fulbright Scholar to China, selected as a U.S.A. delegate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to Russia, and has received multiple teaching awards for pioneering innovative curriculum design and instructional practices. He is currently active as a program consultant and frequent workshop facilitator.