In a move that has shocked some observers and students, George Miller, Ph.D, announced that he will step down as president of Martin University.
In a statement sent to the Recorder, the university’s board of trustees announced that it had “regretfully” accepted Miller’s resignation, and that he and his wife have “accepted another opportunity.”
In his own announcement, Miller thanked Martin University faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters for working with him “for the good” of the university.
“I am confident that this relationship will continue and get even stronger as Martin continues to move to even higher heights,” he said.
Miller’s last official day as president will be Nov. 1, and his resignation comes after only 18 months in office.
When contacted, Miller’s office would not comment further on the matter or provide details about his new opportunity.
In the statement, however, the board credited Miller with “successfully” resolving several challenges faced by the university, especially fiscal issues, while at the same time increasing outreach efforts into the business sector and general community.
Although faculty and staff on campus could not comment about Miller’s departure on the record, one instructor who asked not to be identified confirmed he had been told that Miller’s wife has accepted a new job and that he will be leaving with her.
Martin University students on campus also offered their thoughts.
“He did an excellent job,” said Eric Hamilton. “He is very people-oriented, always has a smile on his face and listens to the concerns of everyone on campus.”
Kristen Turner, a junior, was not aware of the board’s statement and expressed shocked at Miller’s announcement.
“Really? I didn’t know he is leaving already,” Turner said.
Turner, who was an employee of the university before becoming a student, added that the campus has had its “ups and downs,” and said she enjoys the small class sizes and quality of the curriculum and professors, but has had concerns over the efficiency of business aspects such as financial aid.
“I hope he has had a chance to do enough to address that,” she said.
Established in 1977 by the late Father Boniface Hardin and Sister Jane Schilling, Martin University is a private, non-profit non-denominational liberal arts institution with an average enrollment of about 1,500 full and part time students.
Currently, the university offers 19 different undergraduate and master degree programs. Its stated mission has been to serve low income, minority, disenfranchised and non-traditional learners in a “healing environment that incorporates both academics and personal experiences into education.”
Before becoming Martin University’s third president, Miller worked as an administrator at Claflin University in South Carolina, where he was vice president for academic affairs and a chemistry professor. He replaced Algeania Freeman, who retired in 2010, three years after she succeeded Hardin, who died in 2012.
Miller has agreed to serve as an advisor to the board until a new president is selected, suggesting that his departure is amicable. Board members plan to select an interim president in the near future and begin the process of finding a permanent replacement.
“We commend and acknowledge the accomplishments of Dr. Miller during his tenure,” members of the board, chaired by state Rep. John Barlett, said in the statement. “We are confident the university will be able to build upon the foundation left by Dr. Miller.”
