David E. Miller, a Preston County native with expertise in West Virginia agriculture and government relations, will become the associate provost and director of Extension and Public Service at West Virginia University effective July 1.
Miller, currently the Universitys executive officer for government and community relations, has more than 30 years of experience in agriculture, education and government relations. He will continue statewide government relations work on behalf of the University in his new role.
Im honored to have the opportunity to work with the faculty, staff and volunteers of the WVU Extension Service,Miller said.Its a privilege for me to be able to continue to serve the University as well as the people and communities of West Virginia.
Millers work in the last six years has made direct impact on WVU Extension and other statewide outreach programs. He was instrumental in securing funds to support constructing the Fire Academy at WVU Jacksons Mill State 4-H Camp ($2 million); renovating the Mount Vernon Dining Hall at Jacksons Mill ($1 million); building horse arenas at Potomac State and Reedsville farms ($1 million); and renovating Reymann Memorial Farms and conducting research.
We are fortunate to have a man with such outstanding experience to lead the WVU Extension Service and other outreach programs of the states flagship university,said WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr.As a land-grant institution, WVU takes seriously its service mission to provide the states citizens with practical education to improve their lives and communities.
WVU President-elect Michael Garrison also endorsed Miller’s skills and experience.
“David Miller is uniquely qualified to lead this organization that brings successful change for West Virginia families, businesses and communities,”Garrison said.”David’s proven skills and dedication to this state, as well as his knowledge of statewide government and legislative issues, will make him a key member of my administrative team. Personally, I have worked very well with David during past sessions of the West Virginia Legislature and I look forward to his continued assistance to WVU in this regard.”
Gerald Lang, WVU provost, said,I am excited about working with Dave Miller in his new role as a member of the Provost’s Office. He will be a great advocate for WVU Extension within West Virginiahe brings an outstanding state-wide perspective to the needs of our citizens and a commitment to service.
Throughout the year in the states 55 counties, WVU Extension faculty and staff
work with nearly 260,000 youths and adults, many of whom participate regularly in ongoing programs in 4-H, home gardening, agriculture, health, nutrition, firefighter training and community development.
Before joining WVU , Miller served as the deputy commissioner of agriculture between 1995 and 2000. In that position, he was responsible for day-to-day operations of the W.Va. Department of Agriculture. He was also the departments legislative liaison and personnel director.
Miller spent his early career with the Preston County schools, including teaching high school history, social studies, government, economics and psychology; coaching basketball; serving as assistant principal and principal; and working as the systems director of personnel.
He earned a bachelors degree in physical education and social studies from Fairmont State College (FSC) and a masters degree in education administration from the University of Virginia. He is a member of the FSC Sports Hall of Fame.
Miller has served in the West Virginia Legislature as both a senator and delegate. As senator, he was vice chair of the education committee and chair of the roads and transportation committee. His other committee assignments included agriculture, natural resources, energy, judiciary and pensions. He chaired the agriculture committee when he was a delegate. He was appointed by the governor to serve on the W.Va. State Fair Advisory Board.
Miller and his wife, Barbara, own and operate Mountain Diamond Longhorns, a beef cattle farm near Tunnelton. They have three grown children.
Miller is replacing Dr. Larry Cote, who is leaving the position after more than 10 years to become the founding director of WVU s undergraduate minor in leadership studies. The minor will be offered by the Division of Public Administration in the School of Applied Social Sciences in the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
WVU conducted a nationwide search to fill the position.