Chris Miller announced today he plans to step down from his position as Clemson University’s Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. A national search will begin soon for his replacement, and he will remain in the role until a successor is named. Miller has served Clemson with distinction since 2015.
“Dr. Miller’s dedication and commitment to our students has continued to elevate Clemson University, the Division of Student Affairs and the entire student experience,” says University President Jim Clements. “Dr. Miller is the definition of what it means to be ALL IN for our students. Since day one, he has given our Tigers 100% and he has strengthened our culture of trust and caring. While Dr. Miller will be stepping down as Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, we are thrilled he will continue his work as an integral part of the Clemson Family.”
“I consider my tenure at Clemson to be an honor and a privilege, and I will be forever grateful for my time here,” says Miller, who has held the dual role of vice president and dean of students since 2019. “I have grown personally and professionally at this great university, and I look forward to my next challenge.”
Student Affairs has thrived with Miller’s leadership at Clemson. After guiding the division through an organizational realignment and modified operations due to a global pandemic, Clemson’s student experience has emerged stronger than ever.
Clemson has constructed first-class student facilities during Miller’s tenure. Samuel J. Cadden Chapel and the accompanying Johnson Family Student Memorial and Reflection Garden opened in the heart of main campus. The Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex has become one of the nation’s premier lakefront recreational venues, highlighted by the recent additions of Davidson Family Field, Reed Family Field and Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center.
One of the hallmarks of Miller’s time has been transitioning students in and out of Clemson. Student Affairs has created a robust model for introducing students to campus life and preparing them for success through Orientation and Welcome Week programming. Michelin Career Center has earned multiple No. 1 national rankings in career services from The Princeton Review, reflecting an ongoing commitment to students’ professional preparation and life beyond Clemson.
Under Miller’s watch, Fraternity and Sorority Life has experienced record membership growth, academic and service achievement, significant decrease in conduct violations and introduced multiple anti-hazing programs. In addition, he helped transform the Office of Community and Ethical Standards by instituting new and improved processes for student adjudication.
Clemson has enhanced student well-being through the introduction of virtual health care, expansion of Counseling and Psychological Services and addition of Interpersonal Violence Response coordinators. Clemson also continues to garner acclaim for its support of underrepresented populations, including veterans and military-connected students through Military Friendly® and other notable rankings.
Miller’s impact can be felt from a fundraising perspective. In recent months, he secured the first-ever Cornerstone Gift of $2.5 million in support of Student Affairs. With record growth so far in FY24 — including the Miller Family Endowment for the Student Experience — he has raised the bar in securing private gifts for the enhancement of programs, services and facilities.
Miller came to Clemson as dean of students following a stint as vice president at Marquette University from 2008-15. He has worked in higher education for more than 25 years in student affairs.