Biography
Dr. Miriam Roth Douglas is Professor of Education and Director of Interdisciplinary Studies at West Liberty University, where she also serves as faculty in undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in the College of Education and Human Performance. Originally from Germany, she came to the United States as a Fulbright Scholar, an experience that shaped her commitment to international and cross-cultural education. She earned her Interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education from West Virginia University, with specializations in curriculum, literacy, and cultural studies and a focus on arts integration. Her interdisciplinary teaching, scholarship, and leadership center on community education, experiential learning, internationalization, cross-cultural competencies, creativity, and lifelong learning. Dr. Douglas has developed academic programs, designed, led, and taught international learning and study abroad experiences, secured grants supporting global education initiatives, and cultivated partnerships among universities, schools, educational institutions, and community organizations across the United States and Europe.
Education
Dr. Miriam Roth Douglas is a tenured Full Professor of Education in the College of Education and Human Performance and Director of Interdisciplinary Studies at West Liberty University (WLU) in West Virginia, USA. Her interdisciplinary and international educational background includes an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Education, with a specialization in Curriculum, Literacy, and Cultural Studies, and an M.A. in Foreign Languages from West Virginia University, where she also studied as a Fulbright Scholar. In addition, she earned a teaching degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Art Education from Otto-Friedrich University Bamberg, Germany.
Her academic accomplishments include a Fulbright Scholarship, the West Virginia University Dissertation Fellowship, the Robert E. Stitzel Graduate Student Support Endowment, and recognition as an Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant. Her scholarship has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications, international presentations, invited lectures, and collaborative research projects focused on education, interdisciplinary studies, lifelong learning, arts integration, leadership development, internationalization, and experiential learning.
Her academic work and research are strongly informed by lifelong learning, interdisciplinary approaches, and active engagement in nonprofit educational and cultural organizations, with a focus on building connections among universities, communities, schools, and learning initiatives at the local, national, and international levels.
She teaches at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels within the College of Education and Human Performance at West Liberty University. Her teaching and scholarship draw upon education, interdisciplinary studies, experiential learning, leadership development, and community engagement. She is committed to preparing educators, leaders, and lifelong learners through innovative, student-centered approaches that connect theory, research, and practice. She has experience designing and delivering instruction in online, hybrid, and face-to-face learning environments.
Dr. Douglas actively supports global engagement at WLU through her roles as WVAbroad (HEPC) Academic Coordinator for WLU and Co-Chair of the Internationalization Committee.
She coordinates, leads, and teaches study abroad programs in Europe and has extensive experience in international higher education partnerships and exchange initiatives, including collaborations associated with the ERASMUS+ program. She participated in the 2019 Winter School on International and Comparative Studies in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Germany, and served in 2026 as Co-Moderator for Comparative Group 13, “Time Matters: Exploring Temporal Challenges and Opportunities in Adult Education and Learning,” at the 2026 Adult Education Academy (AEA). She has held guest lecturing and instructional roles at German institutions such as Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, and Leuphana University Lüneburg. In addition, she spearheaded the development of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between West Liberty University and Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Germany, establishing a foundation for international academic collaboration, faculty engagement, student exchange, and joint programming opportunities.
Professional Experiences
Dr. Miriam Roth Douglas, Ph.D.
Full Professor of Education
Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral Programs Faculty
Director of Interdisciplinary Studies
Academic Credentials:
Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Education, West Virginia University (2011)
First Legal State Board Examination (Part II: Elementary Education and Art Education), Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg, Bavaria/ Germany (2007)
M.A. in Foreign Languages, West Virginia University (2006)
First Legal State Board Examination (Part I: Curriculum and Instruction, Education, and Psychology), Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg, Bavaria/ Germany (2004)
Academic Appointments and Past/ Present Leadership Roles:
Director of Interdisciplinary Studies, West Liberty University
Full Professor (Tenured) of Education, West Liberty University
Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral Programs Faculty Member, West Liberty University
Coordinator, Advisor, Capstone Mentor, M.A.Ed. Community and Organizational Leadership Program, West Liberty University
WVAbroad (WVHEPC) Academic Coordinator for West Liberty University
Co-Chair, Internationalization Committee, West Liberty University
Chair, Interdisciplinary Committee, West Liberty University
Coordinating Director Community Education Program, West Liberty University
Professional Certifications and Specialized Training
International Education and Academic Leadership:
Institute for Curriculum and Campus Internationalization (ICCI) Certificate, Indiana University
AI Literacy for Educators Micro-Credential Certificate (Alchemy)
Teaching Appreciation Certificate, Adult Education Academy: International and Comparative Studies in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Germany
Research and Teaching Credentials
CITI Social and Behavioral Research Certification
Praxis German: World Languages (5183), Passing Score: 200/200
Growing with Canvas: Teacher Training Certificate
HOLI (Hilltopper Online Learning Institute) Faculty Development Certificate
Online Course Development Training Certificate
Student Success and Educational Practice:
Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification
Reggio Emilia Approach to Education Certificate
SHAPE America Physical Activity Leader (PAL) Certification
Stewards of Children by Darkness to Light Child Protection Training Certificate
Introduction and Foundations of Belonging
Emotional Poverty Workshop
Honors, Fellowships, and Distinctions:
Fulbright Scholarship Recipient, The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board and The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (2004-2005)
ASPIRE U Leadership Program Graduate (Selective Leadership Cohort), West Liberty University (2024-2025)
Inductee, The Liber Society, West Liberty University (2019)
Worldwide Association of Notable Alumni Honors, Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg, Germany (2017)
Robert E. Stitzel Graduate Student Support Endowment Recipient, West Virginia University (2011)
Dissertation Fellowship Recipient, West Virginia University (2011)
Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant, West Virginia University, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Foreign Languages (2008-2009)
Most Popular Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Recognition, West Virginia University Libraries (2007)
Ranked as the 9th most-accessed document in the Electronic Theses and Dissertations collection with 5,674 accesses.
ORCID: 0000-0002-0070-6703
Professional Affiliations:
American Educational Research Association (AERA)
Association for Experiential Education (AEE)
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
Fulbright Network and Fulbright Alumni
Most Recent Publications and Presentations
Publications and Presentations
Publications
Journal Articles:
“The Community Education Program: A Reflection of Good Practice in the USA” (2020). In International and Comparative Studies in Adult and Continuing Education, Firenze University Press.
“National Qualifications Frameworks as a Policy Instrument for Lifelong Learning in Ghana, Malaysia and Serbia” (2020, co-authored). In International and Comparative Studies in Adult and Continuing Education, Firenze University Press.
Book:
Der Opheliakult und seine Entwicklung: Das Opheliamotiv in europäischer Kunst und Literatur (The Ophelia Cult and Its Development: The Ophelia Motif in European Art and Literature) (2010). Saarbrücken, Germany: VDM Publishing.
Presentations:
Douglas, M. R., and Konchar Farr, C. (2026, August 20). Internationalization. Panel presentation at University Welcome and Professional Development Day, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV.
Douglas, M. R., Curfman, A., and Theaker, S. (2026, August 20). From West Liberty to Germany: Study Abroad: Expanding Global Opportunities for Future Educators. Presentation within the Internationalization panel at University Welcome and Professional Development Day, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV.
Douglas, M. R. (14, November, 2024). St. Nicholas Day Traditions in Germany. Presentation at the International Education month organized by West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV.
Douglas, M. R., Konchar, C. F., Kung, M. (12-13, September 2024). Various International Experiential Education Approaches at WLU. Presentation at the Global WV International Education Roundtable, Embassy Suites, Charleston, WV.
Douglas, M. R. (12, April 2024). Forms of Language Access for Lifelong Language Learners with Bilingual Backgrounds. Virtual Presentation at the WV TESOL Conference, Marshall University, Huntington, WV.
Douglas, M. R. and Smith, S. (15, April 2023). International Partnerships Despite COVID-19 Pandemic Challenges. Presentation at the WV TESOL Conference, Marshall University, Huntington, WV.
Douglas, M. R. (June, 2022). Outdoor Learning Spaces, Initiatives, and Examples. Session presented remote via Zoom at the Connected Classroom 6.0 series of the Center for Arts and Education and Master of Arts in Education Program of the College of Education and Human Performance, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV.
Douglas, M. R. (11, November, 2021). Outdoor Learning Spaces. A Sensory Garden Playground Project. The 49th Annual International AEE Conference, November 11-15th, Virtual via Zoom.
Douglas, M. R. (11, November, 2020). The Community Education Program (CEP): A Progressive and Innovative Approach to Traditional Education Programs. The 48th Annual International AEE Conference, November 11-15th, Virtual via Zoom.
Douglas, M. R., Dörzbach, J., Ellias, N. N., Howells, A., Mihajlovi?, D., Mikulec, B., and Turiman, P. (04.-15., February, 2019). National Qualifications Frameworks in Lifelong Learning Perspective in Germany, Ghana, Malaysia, Serbia, and the USA. Presentation at the Winter School International and Comparative Studies for MA and PhD Students and Practitioners in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning: 2018 Winter School, Würzburg University, Germany.