Greenville Business Magazine 2010 February issue : Page 30
THE FACE I CHAN They take with them a legacy of excellence not only in educa- tion but also as integral parts of academia’s role in innovation and talent generation. There are not many areas so richly blessed with educational opportunity as the Upstate. With both public and private four-year institutions and tech- nical colleges within easy reach, Upstate residents can participate in variety of learning opportunities specifically suited to their individual needs. This legacy now falls into the hands of a new generation of educational leaders who will strive to continue on the established path of excel- lence while leaving their own mark and facing the unique circumstances of a slow-in-recovering economy. Greenville Tech President Keith Miller and incoming Furman University President Rodney Smolla are prepared and ready to face any challenges head-on. They are a new face of educa- tion in the Upstate. 30 GREENVILLEBUSINESSMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2010 KEITH MILLER, PRESIDENT OF GREENVILLE TECHNICAL COLLEGE Dr.Keith Miller,who recently completed his first year as president of Greenville Tech, credits Don Burns, a president he worked under at Montcalm Community College in Michigan, as a voice of reason and inspiration in his life. “He always told me the key to success was forg- ing deep connections with your coworkers in order to bring everyone together in a collaborative and happy work environment. I’m putting his advice into practice at Greenville Tech.” Originally from Kansas, Miller received a Bachelor of Biology degree from the University of Kansas, a Master’s degree in Community College Teaching, and a Doctorate in Adult Education. He also holds an Associ- ate’s degree in Technical Education with an emphasis in Radiology. During the course of his career, Miller has taught anatomy and physiology and radiology as well as held various director-level positions, including Dean and Vice President. He has held two other Presidencies at Spoon River College and Black Hawk College. “Serving as faculty in a radiology program and holding numerous director-level administrative positions in a college setting have given me a multi-faceted and unique perspective in my role as President,” says Miller. “I have an insider’s view of what challenges and obstacles can BY BRANDY WOODS SNOW OF HIGHER EDUCATION n the first part of 2010, Upstate residents will say goodbye to some influential lead- ers in education: David Shi will retire from the Presidency of Furman University after 16 years and Caron St. John will leave Clemson after 20 years to take a position as dean of the business school at the University of Alabama Huntsville. GNIG
The Changing Face of Higher Education
Brandy Woods Snow
In the first part of 2010, Upstate residents will say goodbye to some influential leaders in education: David Shi will retire from the Presidency of Furman University after 16 years and Caron St. John will leave Clemson after 20 years to take a position as dean of the business school at the University of Alabama Huntsville. They take with them a legacy of excellence not only in education but also as integral parts of academia’s role in innovation and talent generation.
There are not many areas so richly blessed with educational opportunity as the Upstate. With both public and private four-year institutions and technical colleges within easy reach, Upstate residents can participate in variety of learning opportunities specifically suited to their individual needs.
This legacy now falls into the hands of a new generation of educational leaders who will strive to continue on the established path of excellence while leaving their own mark and facing the unique circumstances of a slow-in-recovering economy. Greenville Tech President Keith Miller and incoming Furman University President Rodney Smolla are prepared and ready to face any challenges head-on. They are a new face of education in the Upstate.
KEITH MILLER,
PRESIDENT OF GREENVILLE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Dr. Keith Miller, who recently completed his first year as president of Greenville Tech, credits Don Burns, a president he worked under at Montcalm Community College in Michigan, as a voice of reason and inspiration in his life. “He always told me the key to success was forging deep connections with your coworkers in order to bring everyone together in a collaborative and happy work environment. I’m putting his advice into practice at Greenville Tech.”
Originally from Kansas, Miller received a Bachelor of Biology degree from the University of Kansas, a Master’s degree in Community College Teaching, and a Doctorate in Adult Education. He also holds an Associate’s degree in Technical Education with an emphasis in Radiology.
During the course of his career, Miller has taught anatomy and physiology and radiology as well as held various director-level positions, including Dean and Vice President. He has held two other Presidencies at Spoon River College and Black Hawk College.
“Serving as faculty in a radiology program and holding numerous director-level administrative positions in a college setting have given me a multi-faceted and unique perspective in my role as President,” says Miller. “I have an insider’s view of what challenges and obstacles can hinder student success as well as the resources required to fulfill the duties of my position.”
From 2008 to 2009, Miller served as Chairman of the Board for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the leading advocacy organization for the nation’s almost 1,200 colleges and their 11.5 million students. He currently serves as past chairman for AACC’s board and is on the board of directors for the American Council of Education.
So why did Miller decline the search consultant’s first offer to consider the Presidency at Greenville Tech? He says at first he had reservations about uprooting his family with a move, especially his high-school age daughters. But, after a several months-long dialogue, Miller and his family decided to visit Greenville and explore the city and the college for themselves. Not long after, he accepted the position without reservation.
“My decision to come to Greenville Tech was based on more than just the prestige of the college,” says Miller. “My family and I found Greenville to be a hospitable, family-oriented community closely connected to the school. This, combined with Tech’s reputation for pulling together internal and external resources to overcome challenges, proved to be a formula for success in my eyes. I knew it was a complete package and the perfect fit for me.”
On Goals
Miller is a firm believer that the success of the community will determine the success of the college and vice versa, noting that a firm alliance between the two will lead to economic viability. He has established goals focused on nurturing student body and community prosperity, including:
››Helping students overcome barriers (financial, personal, academic, etc.) and achieve higher education goals
››Playing a stronger and increasingly larger role in economic development
››Continuing to be on the leading edge of education and training delivery (traditional classroom, online, etc.)
On Surviving the Current Economy
Adversity brought on by a down economy is no stranger to Miller. Within the first month of taking the presidency, Greenville Tech faced massive statewide budget cuts that threatened to derail forward efforts and led to college-wide reorganization. Miller and his employees pulled together, doubling up on responsibilities when necessary, to avoid cuts in student services.
“I was bound and determined to keep our progress on track, with a strong momentum toward the future. In the end, one of the hardest things I’ve faced in my presidency so far has turned out to be one of the most rewarding,” says Miller.
For those looking to embark on a new direction, Miller touts Greenville Tech’s Quick Jobs program, offering career skills in 90 days, as a versatile option for expanding education while keeping steady income. “This program offers highly specialized skills that provide jobs and solutions,” says Miller. “That is why Greenville Tech has significant impact in this kind of economy.”
Another priority for Miller is increasing services aimed at the high school senior. Greenville Tech is currently working with K-12 to grow interest as well as allowing high school students to take college courses in an effort to keep them fully immersed and tied in to the pursuit of higher education.
On The Next Decade
At Miller’s direction, college employees have stepped back to look objectively at the college’s roots, identifying the barriers and opportunities to move forward. They’ve created a number of “strategic imperatives” including:
››Return to the core mission of teaching and learning
››Ensure that technology is robust and cutting-edge
››Diversify services in accordance with the needs of a rapidly changing student body in order to assure their success to graduation day and beyond
“We understand the challenges students face in their quest for higher education,” says Miller. “Our strategic imperatives are in place to make sure we’re facing these challenges head-on and overcoming them, making it easier and more convenient for our students to succeed.”
On Inspiration
Miller patterns his personal and professional life on the words of Abraham Lincoln, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” He says these words are a testament that you can achieve any dream, no matter how big or small, if you are willing to put in the effort and initiative.
On Family Life
Miller met his wife while working in radiology at a hospital. They now have three children, all of whom are taking courses at Greenville Tech. An outdoors-lover, Miller likes to spend time working on his laptop while sitting on his deck, and, when time permits, he enjoys taking in a game of golf. The family has fully acclimated to the Upstate. “The people have been so welcoming, and we love Greenville’s small town feel with access to the services of a major city.”
Greenville Tech’s Mechatronics Technology Program
www.gvltec.edu (academics/technology/mechatronics)
When a manufacturer goes “line down”, it can potentially cost hundreds of thousands of dollars every hour the manufacturing process is halted. A Mechatronics Technician is a key player in this scenario – taking steps to prevent the situation or quickly resolving the problem to get production back up. He is a high-tech problem solver and a critical component to the future of manufacturing.
Greenville Tech’s Mechatronics Technology program prepares students to inspect, diagnose, repair, service and install electro-mechanical equipment, automated manufacturing and packaging machinery. The job is in high demand, and the starting salary is very competitive, beginning around $38,500 for Greenville Tech graduates.
RODNEY SMOLLA,
INCOMING PRESIDENT OF FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Later this year when Rod Smolla takes the helm as Furman University’s eleventh president in its 184-year history, he promises to keep the students at the heart of every decision and every action taken toward the future. As the father of a Furman freshman, he knows as well as anyone the significance of that objective.
“There were many attractive aspects of becoming president of Furman, but I was especially drawn here by the University’s proven commitment to standing as a robust intellectual center and developing strong moral character,” says Smolla. “An emphasis on these virtues provides a terrific balance our society needs, and they have always mattered a great deal in my life.”
Smolla graduated from Yale University in 1975 and went on to graduate first in his class from Duke Law School in 1978.
His extensive professional background and accomplishments speak for themselves. Smolla has held teaching positions at William and Mary, Richmond, Washington and Lee, University of Illinois, University of Arkansas, DePaul University and Northwestern University. He held visiting professorships at the University of Melbourne, University of Denver and the Duke University Law School. He serves on the Board of Directors for Media General, Inc. and chairs the Council for America’s First Freedom. Smolla is a frequent commentator in national print and online media and has contributed to Slate.com and The Huffington Post. He was selected as moderator for the inaugural political debate between the candidates for Governor of Virginia in the 2009 election.
Regarded as one of America’s scholars on freedom of speech and freedom of press issues, Smolla has authored over a dozen books, the latest of which, The Constitution Goes to College, is scheduled for publication in 2010.
On Goals
In the short-term, Smolla will focus on connecting and establishing relationships to earn the trust and respect of the college, the alumni and the community. He hopes to embrace the energy coming off his appointment to begin addressing strategic planning, fundraising and external relations. In the long-term, Smolla wants to increase visibility by elevating Furman’s story to a larger national and international forum.
On Surviving the Current Economy
Smolla will champion Furman’s established continuing education program as he has had significant experience with similar learning forums during his tenure at Richmond. Smolla believes that students should be led to establish competencies based on staying informed and prepared for a constantly changing world. Under his Presidency, he hopes to instill all students with the knowledge and skills needed to think independently, adapt easily, and communicate effectively.
On The Next Decade
Smolla’s vision is to solidify Furman’s position as a robust intellectual marketplace of ideas while concurrently establishing it as a moral center where students learn to look beyond themselves to the greater good of society.
“We are fortunate in our country to have so many higher education opportunities where students of all walks of life can find a program best suited to their needs,” says Smolla. “As a small private four-year college, Furman offers a unique atmosphere where students can obtain a quality education in an intimate and closely connected setting while also going beyond academia to develop their entire person.”
Smolla foresees the role of higher education evolving in accordance with the same realities prevalent in our current time. He is focused on learning to achieve more with fewer resources, make education affordable and accessible to everyone, effectively harness new technologies, and adequately prepare students to prosper in a global marketplace.
On Inspiration
Smolla says Federal Judge Charles Clark was more than a superior when he worked for him in a Mississippi courtroom – he was a friend and a muse. “He operated under the values of humility, grace and civility and stressed the importance of always being grateful and compassionate in life. He taught me the necessity for creating strong, honest alliances and that has had a significant impact on my life.”
Smolla also draws strength from the words of Daniel Bergam: “Make no little plans . . .” and Teddy Roosevelt’s “the man in the arena” speech. From these, he’s learned to always think big and plan big, knowing that win or lose, involvement and initiative is most important.
On Family Life
Smolla is married to Michele and their blended family includes five children. Their oldest, Sarah, is interested in an art career; Erin, a junior at Duke University, recently completed a study abroad program in Greece; Miles, a freshman at Furman, is preparing for a career in economics; Corey, a high school sophomore plays volleyball and writes for her school paper; and Dylan, a third grader, excels in music lessons in piano, cello and drums and also enjoys fencing and golf. Smolla says that he and his wife spend much of their free time going between the kids’ activities and enjoying family traveling opportunities but also looks forward to a calming round of golf with his youngest child. GBM
Want more insight?
With well over a dozen books, legal treatises, and casebooks written, Rod Smolla has published many of his experiences, thoughts and research for both academic and general audiences listed below.
Suing The Press: Libel, the Media, and Power, 1986
(Awarded the ABA Silver Gavel Award Certificate of Merit)
Jerry Falwell v Larry Flint: The First Amendment on Trial, 1988
Free Speech In An Open Society, 1992
(Winner of the William O. Douglas Award)
A Year In The Life Of The Supreme Court, 1995
(Awarded the ABA Silver Gavel Award)
Deliberate Intent, 1999
(Adapted for TV movie by the FX Cable Network)
The Constitution Goes to College, 2010
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