MILLER NAMED UNM GALLUP CAMPUS DIRECTOR

May 22, 2003

MILLER NAMED UNM GALLUP CAMPUS DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Miller, Ed.D, has been named director of the University of New Mexico Gallup branch campus, effective immediately, UNM Provost Brian Foster announced today.

Miller, one of four finalists for the position, has served as interim executive director for UNM Gallup since January 2002. She succeeds Robert E. Carlson, who accepted a position as president of Chabot College in Hayward, Calif.

"During the time Elizabeth has been interim director she has tackled a number of different problems effectively. She is courageous and did not shrink from the most difficult of issues," Foster said.

"I'm thrilled to have this opportunity," Miller said. "I look forward to working with the campus and community at large to meet the educational needs of this area."

Miller joined the campus as faculty in the Business Technology Department in 1986. She was named chair of the department in 1987. In 1996, Miller became associate director of instruction, a position later reclassified to dean of instruction with rank of assistant professor.

As UNM Gallup interim director, Miller developed strategies to address a budget crisis and declining enrollment. She reorganized shared governance processes, conferred regularly with campus leaders and guided completion of capital projects. She oversaw negotiation of a new UNM Gallup operating agreement with the main campus.

Miller initiated a strategic planning/programmatic needs survey and facilities master plan project to result in community-driven planning initiatives for the next five years. Among other efforts, she also worked to strengthen initiatives with local public and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools, foundations, workforce development and health services organizations.

Active in the community, Miller has served as director of the Gallup McKinley Chamber of Commerce since 2001. She also held the position from 1993-95. She has been a member of the RMCHCS board of trustees since 1997.

Miller will continue to oversee the campus' $11.5 million budget, $5.7 million in grant funds and additional $7 million in financial aid and scholarships.

Miller earned an associate degree in liberal arts from Cottey College in Nevada, Mo., 1968; bachelor of science degree in secondary education from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., 1970; and master's in business education from Emporia State University, Emporia, Kan., 1973. In 1996, Miller received an Ed.D. in education administration with an emphasis in educational leadership and organizational learning from UNM. The focus of her research was retention of Native American students.

Before coming to UNM Gallup, Miller taught at the community college and high school levels in Kansas and Colorado.

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