Kenneth W. Ragland ’57
Kenneth W. Ragland ’57 passed away on September 1, 2023. Ken graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois. At Dartmouth he was in Debt Tau Delta and the rowing club. He was part of the Thayer five-year program, earning his M.S. in mechanical engineering in 1958. Ken worked for three years building missiles for the U.S. Navy in Point Mugu, California. He received additional schooling at the University of Michigan, earning an M.S. in engineering science (1962) and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering (1967). He participated as a research fellow in nuclear physics in a nine-month Academy of Sciences exchange to Novosibirsk, USSR. in 1967-68, studying gas dynamics. Ken joined the faculty of the University of Wisconsin for a career of more than 30 years teaching and conducting research centered around fluid dynamics, combustion, air pollution control, and renewable energy. In 1995 he was chosen chair of the mechanical engineering department. In 1999 Ken’s career was recognized by UW-Madison with emeritus status. Ken was an involved father with a zest for life and the outdoors. With his family he enjoyed sailing, canoeing, camping, and cross-country skiing. He was an avid gardener and passionate about finding solutions to climate change, reflecting his deep concern for the environment. He was a longtime member of the First Unitarian Society, where he found friendship and community. Ken is survived by Nancy, his wife of 67 years, and daughters Laura, Lisa, and Emily.
