Denison University has announced Alexander (Alex) R. Miller, Ed.D will assume the role of Vice President for Student Development. Miller comes to Denison from his current position as Associate Dean of Student Engagement and Acting Associate Dean of Students for Inclusion and Belonging at Harvard College. Miller will begin his new post at Denison on July 1, 2020. The University’s current Vice President for Student Development Laurel Kennedy is retiring at the end of the spring semester after 30 years with the university.
Alexander R. Miller
Denison University President Adam Weinberg says, “We are honored to welcome Alex to this important role at Denison. He is a respected student development leader known for designing and executing innovative strategies to meet the changing needs of diverse student populations. He is passionate about the role student development plays in collaborating across all areas of the college to support the development and success of students. He’s also immensely approachable and I know students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni alike will find him to be an exceptional addition to our community.”
In the Vice President for Student Development role, Miller will be a member of President Weinberg’s Senior Staff. He will lead a talented student development team in continuing to advance strategies, services and programs related to diversity, social inclusion, campus and residential life, and wellness.
Miller has almost 20 years of experience in higher education as a student development professional. Prior to his role at Harvard, Miller served in student development positions at the University of Chicago, DePaul University, Tulane University, Syracuse University, and Michigan State University.
Miller notes, “I am excited to join Denison, a place that provides a world-class academic experience and shows a commitment to teaching and learning, innovation, outcomes and diversity and inclusion excellence. I care deeply about students and their success and look forward to partnering with faculty, staff, students, alumni and others in thoughtfully stewarding the values, mission and strategy of university through the work of the student development division.”
Miller is a current member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. In addition to his Bachelor of Arts degree from Olivet College, Miller holds a Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University, and a Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education Administration from Northern Illinois University. He also has completed a Focused Leadership-Executive Leader Development Program at Harvard University.
Miller has received awards and honors, presented nationally, and held membership in several professional, social, and service organizations such as the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA), and the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA).
Denison is a leading nationally recognized liberal arts college, defined by its engaged and diverse student body, committed and involved faculty and staff, rigorous curriculum, and a deep commitment to student outcomes.
The University is committed to cultivating a campus environment that celebrates the diversity and pluralism of its community, that fosters in all Denisonians the skills and aptitudes of living and working in a complex world of many cultures, and that achieves inclusive excellence, as made evident through the breadth of backgrounds and perspectives represented in its student body.