Edwin Miller, former head of OSU's department of forestry, was selected from numerous candidates who applied for the position.

Students, student leadership groups, administrators, student council, faculty, department heads, other administrators, deans and the president of the university were all part of the selection process.

"Dr. Miller has an excellent performance record administering programs in teaching, research and extension," said Sam E. Curl, CASNR dean. "He has proven himself a leader during his time as head of the OSU department of forestry, and I know he will do an outstanding job as associate dean."

"There were a number of highly qualified applicants, but in the end, Dr. Miller was selected because of his excellent administrative performance record and marvelous potential for success in the associate dean position," he said. 

Miller acknowledges the high level of responsibility that comes along with the job.

"They were looking for someone who really understands agriculture, had administrative experience, a special interest in teaching, and most importantly, someone with an interest in students," Miller said.

A native of Des Moines, Iowa, he received three degrees from Iowa State University: A bachelor of science in forestry management in 1968, a master of science in agronomy in 1970 and a doctor of philosophy in water resources in 1973. Miller came to OSU in 1986. In 1989 he became head of the forestry department. 

He joined the department of forestry after 11 years as hydrology program leader for the Weyerhaeuser Co.'s southern forestry research department in Hot Springs, Ark. He began his career in 1973, teaching in the School of Forestry at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. 

Although Miller has been active in the college, many students didn't have an opportunity to meet him unless they were majoring in forestry. Forestry students, however, have a great respect for their former department head.

"He is a very down to earth guy," said Casey Keller, forestry senior from Batesville, Ark. "Dr. Miller is easy to get along with, easy to talk to, and he tries to get to know the students. He makes you feel as if you are an important part of something." 

Wic Warden, forestry senior from Bernice, La., agreed.

"I admire Dr. Miller's efforts to maintain his contact with students, since I'm sure it is much harder for him to do from the position he is in now," Warden said. 

The associate dean's obligation is one of great responsibility, having to oversee the activities and affairs of all staff and faculty within the college.

"Everything done in this office is ultimately for the benefit of the student," Miller said. "Anyone in this position needs to understand students, because that's what this office is all about, helping students." 

There are certain advantages to having someone from within the organization who understands and believes in it, Miller said.

"We have to give credit to the great job Paul Hummer did as a former associate dean," Miller said. "He was an excellent administrator and he did an excellent job of managing the college." 

"Sometimes when you come into a new position you have to fix what has been broken, but fortunately, Dr. Hummer left us in good shape."

With a new associate dean comes a new set of goals and aspirations for the college. Miller has a great challenge ahead of him, which he plans to face head-on. 

Miller said he believes there is a strong and positive spirit within CASNR. The spirit of this college, he said, is healthy and also inspiring, and these are assets he wants to maintain. He also feels CASNR must keep up its great quality of academic programs.

"I think Dr. Ed Miller is an excellent choice to be the new associate dean," said former associate dean Paul Hummer.

"He has integrity, high standards for the academic experience of students, a sensitivity to the needs of others, an abundance of energy, and the experience and wisdom to go with a high level of intelligence."

Miller said he believes students should be taken good care of from the first time they step into Agricultural Hall.

"We need to make sure we recruit the very best students, be as supportive as we can and nurture them while they are here," Miller said. "We feel that we have a responsibility to enable students to find placement and to provide a strong linkage with employers. We want to facilitate that process." 

"Overall, the main goal is that we want to continue striving to provide a better quality of education."

By Andrea Barnhart

This issue of Cowboy Journal
Cowboy Journal Home Page
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Department of Agricultural Education, Communications, and 4-H Youth Development