Board of Trustees selects Dr. Scott D. Miller as VWC's fourth president
News Release | February 25, 2015
The Virginia Wesleyan College Board of Trustees selected Dr. Scott D. Miller as the fourth president of the College during a special meeting today. The College's current president, Dr. William T. "Billy" Greer, will retire in June 2015 after a 23-year tenure at Virginia Wesleyan.
Dr. Miller has been the president at Bethany College in West Virginia for eight years. He was previously president of Wesley College in Delaware and Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. He earned his B.A. in communications from West Virginia Wesleyan College, an M.A. from the University of Dayton, an Ed.S. from Vanderbilt University, and a Ph.D. from The Union Institute and University. Dr. Miller, 55, brings to VWC a lifetime of commitment to the values of a residential, liberal arts campus in a pluralistic society, with an emphasis on teaching, service, student-faculty engagement, and lifelong learning.
“As we continue to strengthen the resources and enhance the national reputation of Virginia Wesleyan, it is truly exciting to have a president of Dr. Miller’s experience and energy to lead our next phase of growth,” said Gary D. Bonnewell ’79, Chair of the Virginia Wesleyan College Board of Trustees. “My fellow Trustees and I look forward to welcoming Dr. Miller and his wife, Annie, to the VWC community.”
During his tenure as president of Bethany College, a private liberal arts institution of approximately 1,100 students, Dr. Miller’s leadership was instrumental in key areas including significant enrollment growth, strengthening of the College’s resource base; enhancement of College facilities, student services, and programs; enrichment of students’ global learning experiences; and positioning of the College for academic leadership and national influence.
“I am honored to be chosen as the next president of Virginia Wesleyan, one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, an outstanding institution of the United Methodist Church, and a member of the select Old Dominion Athletic Conference,” Dr. Miller said. “After eight wonderful and rewarding years of building a stronger Bethany College, Annie and I look forward to joining the Virginia Wesleyan family. Virginia Wesleyan’s location and quality provide educational opportunities that directly support its mission and will foster future growth and progress. Dr. Greer has positioned the College for bold, forward momentum.”
In its 53-year history, Virginia Wesleyan has had just three presidents: Joseph S. Johnston (1965), Lambuth M. Clarke (1966-1992), and William T. "Billy" Greer (1992-2015).
Dr. Miller’s appointment is the culmination of a national search that began last summer after Dr. Greer announced his plans for retirement. The executive search firm of Witt/Kieffer assisted with the search. The search committee composed of trustees, faculty, staff, student, and alumni representatives, sought a candidate with a strong record of leadership who was a passionate advocate of the values and ideals of the liberal arts. The committee selected Dr. Miller by unanimous decision before recommending him to the Board of Trustees. Dr. Miller will begin his tenure in July 2015.
View a more detailed press release including additional biographical information about Dr. Miller and his professional accomplishments.