"Your favourite quote"

  Dr. Gladys DeVane is a storyteller at heart and an artist by calling. With a passion for lifting up unheard voices through the performing arts, she has spent decades captivating audiences as a writer, actor, and speaker.

She holds a B.S. from Oklahoma State University and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Indiana University, where she later became Professor Emerita after an impressive 38-year tenure. Her roles at IU included instructor, clinical supervisor, and administrator—roles that shaped not only future professionals but also her own storytelling craft.

Though her love for storytelling began at just ten years old and flourished through high school, Dr. DeVane stepped away from the stage after college to focus on speech-language pathology and raising a family. But retirement wasn’t the end of her story—it was the start of a new chapter.

She returned to the arts with renewed purpose, becoming a prominent figure in regional theater and storytelling circuits. Dr. DeVane has written six original plays and numerous one-person shows, many of which spotlight the lived experiences of African Americans throughout history. She’s also the creative force behind Come Sit with Me: Conversations with Dr. DeVane, a five-part interview series exploring the intersections of art, education, and social change.

As lead writer for Resilience Productions, she collaborates closely with director and dramaturg Danielle Bruce to create thought-provoking work that blends historical insight with emotional resonance. Dr. DeVane sees theater as not just entertainment but a powerful tool for education and empathy. Her performances foster understanding, challenge assumptions, and spark meaningful dialogue.

Her dedication to the arts extends beyond the stage. She has proudly served on the boards of:

• Bloomington      Playwrights Project
• Ivy Tech’s      Waldron Arts Center
• Indiana      University Theatre Circle

In 2020, Dr. DeVane published Come Sit with Me: Life in Poetry, Prose, and Plays, a compelling collection that brings her signature blend of personal narrative and dramatic storytelling to the page. She has performed selections from the book at both local and national venues.

Whether through spoken word, stage performance, or community leadership, Dr. DeVane continues to use her voice to inspire and invite others to sit, listen, and join the conversation.