College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences appoints new associate dean of research and graduate studies

Bryan Miller, Ph.D., has been appointed associate dean of research and graduate studies for the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS).

Miller, who is a professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, has served as acting associate dean of research and graduate studies since earlier this year.

In his role as associate dean, Miller said he will cultivate the College’s top-tier, R1 culture by encouraging research and innovation and equipping faculty members with the resources they need to develop and submit competitive grant proposals and increase research expenditures. Additionally, he will foster opportunities for collaboration, support graduate program excellence and assist the College in implementing Clemson University’s bold new strategic plan, Clemson Elevate.

“CBSHS is an established leader in research, teaching and service, and I am honored to serve in this new capacity,” said Miller. “Research and graduate programs play an active role in the College’s mission to build healthy people and communities, and I am confident our reach and influence will continue to grow in years to come.”

Miller holds a Ph.D. in criminology, law and society from the University of Florida and both a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in sociology from Virginia Tech. His applied criminology work has focused on substance use treatment for justice-involved individuals, along with enhancing criminal justice collaborations for diversion and deflection strategies. His current research focuses on exploring the connections between drugs and the criminal justice system.

According to Leslie Hossfeld, dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, his extensive research background, experience as graduate coordinator and ability to lead by example make him a natural fit for the role of associate dean.

“Dr. Miller has been a vital part of CBSHS for many years, and I am delighted for his seamless transition into this role,” said Hossfeld. “Researchers from each of our seven academic departments are advancing research in their respective disciplines, as well as working tirelessly to improve health outcomes and access to resources in rural and underserved communities. Dr. Miller will provide exceptional guidance to both seasoned and new researchers as they continue to pursue grant opportunities that will benefit the citizens of South Carolina and beyond. As graduate coordinator, he gained a unique perspective on graduate studies that will help elevate our program offerings and advance the next generation of researchers.”

Miller has authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles and two books. He received a Fulbright Scholarship to Tampere University in Finland in 2018, the Clemson University Research, Scholarship and Artistic Acheivement Award in 2019, and both the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Outstanding Mentor Award and CBSHS Award for Excellence in Research in 2022.

The College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS) was established in July 2016; CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in seven disciplines – communication; nursing; parks, recreation and tourism management; political science; psychology; public health sciences; sociology, anthropology and criminal justice – to further its mission of “building people and communities” in South Carolina and beyond.