Northland Celebrates the Inauguration of President Michael A. Miller

Northland College staff, students, alumni, higher education colleagues from around the region and Ashland area residents attended the Inauguration of 13th Northland College President Michael A. Miller, Ph.D., Saturday, Oct. 29. Miller, who follows former Northland President Karen Halbersleben, assumed the highest role within the liberal arts and sciences college on July 1, 2010.

Thomas D. Martin, Chair of the Northland College Board of Trustees, imparted a list of charges for Northland College President Michael A. Miller during the inauguration ceremony.

"Think big. The problems we face will be solved in small strokes, but they will be addressed with a big vision. Think about how we meet the economic, environmental and social challenges of today without compromising the call of future generations on those resources," said Martin. "Remember our roots. When this cutover country had a degraded environment and a lack of employment prospects, there was a vision to the future. It's that root, nurturing the health of this environment and restoring the economy of the North Country, that we have to be a part of."

During his inauguration speech, Miller touched on the accomplishments of Northland College since he joined the institution as president. Miller said trust, open dialogue, shared responsibility, transparency and integrity are core values espoused by the Northland community.

"We have done good work over the last 16 months. We're in a good position. In another 24 months, we'll be in a great position and we vow to keep up what we've been doing," said Miller.

Since arriving at Northland, Miller has highlighted the need for the College to continue ongoing efforts in making connections with surrounding communities and pursuing growth in a variety of areas.

"Because Northland's broader mission is to change the world, we must, in addition to graduating extreme problem solvers, reach to be the very finest provider of informed advice, assistance, and perspective-changing experience regarding all facets of sustainability," said Miller. "Northland exists in a full and competitive sector - higher education. Northland will become the college that most completely sustains innovation and retains prominence."

In 1977, Dr. Miller graduated cum laude at Hanover College. He pursued his graduate studies at Ball State University, where he earned his M.A. in educational psychology, his Ed.S. in school and education psychology, and his Ph.D. in school psychology. An accomplished author, educator and highly regarded expert in the fields of school psychology, assessment and research methodology, and organizational leadership, Dr. Miller has contributed to over thirty publications and major presentations over the course of his career.