Scott Douglas Miller
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Scott Douglas Miller is an American academic administrator and writer who has served as the fourth president of Virginia Wesleyan University since 2015. He is one of the longest serving college presidents in America.


Early life

Born in 1959, Miller is a native of Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. He graduated from General McLane High School in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, in 1977.


Education

Miller holds a bachelor's degree (B.A.) from West Virginia Wesleyan College, a master's degree (M.S.) from the
University of Dayton The University of Dayton (UD) is a Private university, private, Catholic research university in Dayton, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary (Marianists), Society of Mary, it is one of three Marianist universities in the U ...
, an education specialist degree (Ed. S.) from
Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt University (informally Vandy or VU) is a private university, private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1873, it was named in honor of shipping and railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, who provide ...
, and a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) from
Union Institute & University Union Institute & University (UI&U) was a private online university that was headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. It also operated satellite campuses in Florida and California. In early 2023, it began to experience severe financial challenge ...
.


Career


College and University Presidencies

Miller was named as the fourth president of Virginia Wesleyan University on February 25, 2015. As president of VWU, Miller helped guide the university through the change from college to university in 2017. This included the formation of VWU Global Campus as the university welcomed the addition of graduate programs, online learning opportunities, a collaborative campus in Japan, establishment of the Batten & Black School for International Studies, a workforce development center with the City of Virginia Beach, and a Prison Education Program at St. Brides Correctional Center and Indian Creek Correctional Center. The Batten Honors College was founded in 2017 and received an $80.3 million endowment in 2021. While he is the current president of VWU, Miller previously served as the president of Bethany College (2007–15), Wesley College (1997–2007), and Lincoln Memorial University (1991–1997). He was executive vice president and Vice President for Development at LMU (1984–1991) before becoming president. Previously, he was Director of College Relations and Alumni Affairs at Rio Grande College (now University of Rio Grande).


Leadership positions

Miller served as Chair of the Climate Leadership Network from 2019 to 2021 and serves on the board of directors of Boston-based Second Nature, an international environmental and climate advocacy group. He was chair (2013-2023) of the board of directors of Washington, D.C.–based executive search firm Academic Search, Inc., and the vice chair of the American Academic Leadership Institute. He is a former president of the National Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities of the United Methodist Church (NASCUMC). Miller served as the president of the North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAAMSCU) from 2019 to 2021. He served as President/Chair (2011-15) of the board of directors of The Council of Colleges and Universities of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).


Publications

Miller is a regular columnist for The Virginian-Pilot, HuffPost, College Planning and Management, and Dwyer Education Strategies Enrollment Manager. He is the author of a widely distributed e-newsletter, "The President's Letter" and a daily blog, "Dialogue". For 10 years, he served as the executive editor of Presidential Perspectives, an online presidential thought series that resulted in 11 books. The series transitioned to a new name, President to President, and new sponsor in 2016. He has co-published nine volumes of President to President.


Honors and awards

* Wesley College named Scott D. Miller Stadium, 2007. In 2021, the facility was acquired by Delaware State University Downtown and renamed the Scott D. Miller Stadium & Sports Complex to reflect the inclusion of the Drass Field, Reed Field, duPont Field, Wesley Field House, and the athletic administration annex. * Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, West Virginia Wesleyan College, 2011. * Distinguished Alumnus Award, General McLane High School, 2013 . * Miller and VWU named Chesapeake Bay Foundation Conservationist of the Year, 2017. * Humanitarian of the Year, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, 2022 * M.A.S.K.E.D. (Mankind Assisting Students Kindling Education Dreams) Award, United Negro College Fund, 2024 * Community Builders Award
Hampton Roads Community Action Program
2024 * Martin Luther King Community Leader Award, Urban League of Hampton Roads, 2025


Personal life

He and his wife, Annie Miller, have two daughters and four grandchildren. They reside on the Virginia Wesleyan campus in the president's residence, DeFord Manor, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Miller, Scott Douglas Heads of universities and colleges in the United States Virginia Wesleyan University Living people 1959 births West Virginia Wesleyan College alumni