Next interim MSU leader focusing on task at hand.
 
Original Story by: KRISTIN TAYLOR
Murray Ledger & Times Issue date: 8/17/06
 
Dr. Tim Miller (ET Sigma Chi Alumni) is splitting his time between his Business Building office and the president's office in Wells Hall as the new semester gets underway at Murray State.

On Tuesday, Miller begins his 3 1/2 months as the university's interim president. He'll hold down the office and prepare for Dr. Randy Dunn to arrive officially on Dec. 1. Whether teaching accounting theory, a class he's taught every semester since 1971, or tending to administrative duties, Miller will focus on the mission at hand.

“My philosophy is we are here for the students,” said Miller, an accounting professor. “Sometimes we forget that because we get so wrapped up in many other things.”

Miller's interim presence was approved at the MSU Board of Regents meeting on May 19 after the board hired Dunn earlier in the month. Because of Dunn's commitment to Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to serve as the state's chief education officer through the upcoming election.

“Murray State is the best it has ever been, so I don't want to do anything to mess that up,” Miller said. “Hopefully it will be a quiet 3 1/2 months and then we can welcome Dr. Dunn.”

Miller has worked at MSU since 1971. During that time he has taught in the accounting department, which he chaired at two separate times. He has led the MSU Foundation since November 1990. While serving as interim president, Miller's duties as the foundation's executive director temporarily will be passed onto Dr. John Thompson.

“Murray State should be very grateful for Dr. Miller and the leadership he is going to provide during this period,” Dunn said in a telephone interview. “I think he was somewhat hesitant because of the other duties he has on campus - not the least of which is his position with the foundation - but when the Board of Regents called on him, he was more than willing. I've been very appreciative of the time he's taken to show me the ropes.”

After earning his bachelor of science degree and master of business administration degrees from Murray State in 1966 and 1967, Miller went on to receive his doctorate in economics, marketing and management in 1973 from the University of Arkansas. He even met his wife, Patsy, at MSU.

“I've been here a long time. The faculty and staff are familiar with me. I know all of the board members and I get along with the board members, “ Miller said. “... I've just love this place. That's why I want it to succeed.”