Miller Returns to Centenary College as New Dean of Students

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service) —Life has come full circle for Mark Miller when it was announced today that he will be joining the staff May 17 as the new Dean of Students.

Miller served here as the Director of Residence Life and later as Assistant Dean of Student Life from 1998 until 2004 before departing for Duke University where he worked as the Director of Executive MBA programs at the Fuqua School of Business.

Mark Miller

"We are excited to welcome Mark home after his six-year absence," said Betsy Eaves, Vice President for Student Development and Chaplain of the College. "Mark brings a knowledge and love for Centenary along with the broader experiences from his work with Duke in recent years. The College is at an important turning point and I believe he is coming at the right time. His leadership skills and student development background, along with his love of students, are a great combination."

Miller earned his M.A. in student development from Appalachian State University and is currently a doctoral candidate at North Carolina State University where he is completing his Ed.D. in higher education administration. He received his B.S. in Psychology from Truman State University. Prior to his position at Duke University, Miller served as the Assistant Dean of Student Life and Director of Residence Life at Centenary, Assistant Director of Housing for Residence Education at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Resident Director at Appalachian State University. He also previously spent one year traveling as a member of the cross-cultural leadership program Up With People and later served on the alumni Board of Governors for that organization.

"The six years I spent working in the Department of Student Life were extremely rewarding for me, both personally and professionally," said Miller. "I feel a strong connection to Centenary, and believe that this is an ideal time for me to return. I retain much of what I learned from helping to build extremely successful programs during my time there, but enough time has passed that I will also be able to see things with new eyes. I hope this combination of knowledge and perspective will help spark innovation as the department strives to educate and involve students in support of Centenary's mission and exciting vision for the future. Centenary College is a truly amazing place with wonderful students and colleagues, and I am very honored to have the opportunity to serve as its Dean of students."

The dean of students oversees more than 50 student organizations, and is responsible for enriching student life by proactively and aggressively promoting student engagement. As Dean of Students, Miller will be responsible for student life programs including Residence Life and Student involvement.

Mark is married to Karin Kivioja-Miller, who will join him in Shreveport in mid-June. Kivioja-Miller is a Swedish, German and English teacher originally from Turku, Finland.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 371 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.