Sam Miller
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs | Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC, UNITED STATES
Sam Miller is an experienced Chief Student Affairs Officer with a successful record working with students and campus communities.
Biography
An experienced Chief Student Affairs Officer (CSAO) with a successful record working with students and campus communities. Comprehensive leadership experiences include residence hall management, enrollment management, undergraduate admission, campus activities, student discipline, dining services, auxiliary operations, orientation, and student wellness initiatives to name a few. Construction project experience includes residence halls, student unions, dining halls, recreation centers, and public-private-partnerships (P3). Served in full-time positions at the University of Alabama, University of Virginia, University of Connecticut, and now at Western Carolina University.
Areas of Expertise (5)
Higher Education Administration
Student Development
Higher Education
Student Affairs
Student Engagement
Education (3)
The University of Alabama: MBA
The University of Alabama: B.S., Human Resources Management
University of Virginia: Ph.D., Higher Education/Higher Education Administration
Links (1)
Languages (1)
- English
Media Appearances (9)
Enrollment, retention dip at WCU
Smoky Mountain News online
2021-09-22
The decrease is due mainly to a “pretty significant decline” in continued enrollment for in-person students, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Sam Miller told the Administration, Governance and Trusteeship Committee Sept. 2. A drop in first-time, full-time freshmen contributed as well. “WCU is best known for its strong academic experiences with small classes and with engaged learning, as well as a dynamic student life opportunity,” Miller said. “The realities of the pandemic impacted both of those experiences, and some students have decided not to continue their enrollment with WCU.”
On-campus residents are required negative COVID-19 results prior to spring semester
WCU Stories online
2020-12-10
“Residential Living is implementing the entrance testing requirement for the residence halls to help conserve the limited on-campus quarantine and isolation facilities at the start of the term,” said Sam Miller, vice chancellor for student affairs. “During the 2020 fall semester, students living on campus who tested positive were encouraged to quarantine or isolate at their permanent residence, and offered an on-campus option if returning home wasn’t possible. When commuting students tested positive, they were directed to quarantine and/or isolate at their off-campus residence,” Miller said.
Trustees approve $36 increase in health service fee for 2021-22 academic year
WCU Stories online
2020-12-04
The on-campus housing rate increases will help cover the costs of rising operational expenses and build reserves needed to renovate or replace some of WCU’s older residence halls including Scott and Walker halls, which are in the process of demolition and replacement, said Sam Miller, vice chancellor for student affairs.
Vice Chancellor Miller talks about the student experience during COVID
The Western Carolina Journalist online
2020-08-13
“Large gatherings of people are correlated with transmission of the virus,” said Miller. He explained that events, including concerts and keynote speakers, that students remember from years past were there were a lot of people present probably will not happen this year.
Pandemic prompts early move in, reopening adjustments at WCU
ABC 13 News online
2020-07-31
When WCU students start moving in, they'll first stop at a temporary trailer in the parking lot of the football stadium to pick up personal protection equipment. “A packet of face coverings. They'll get hand sanitizer. They'll get directions for taking their temperature. They'll get a thermometer,” said Sam Miller, vice chancellor for Student Affairs.
No refunds for WCU students if campus closes again because of COVID-19
ABC 13 News online
2020-06-19
"It's our intent not to have to be in a position to send anyone home or to pay any refunds for any of our tuition and fees," vice chancellor of student affairs Sam Miller said.
Large events curtailed for fall 2020 at WCU
Smoky Mountain News online
2020-06-18
“Because of the unprecedented challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic and the high priority of both sustaining the well-being of our campus community and implementing the academic mission of WCU, we plan to restrict or cancel most large-venue and mass-gathering programs and events for the fall semester,” said Sam Miller, vice chancellor for student affairs. “We will continue to monitor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state guidance as the semester unfolds and will make additional changes as warranted by the circumstances.”
WCU students have trouble finding on-campus housing
ABC 13 News online
2020-02-27
WCU is growing in popularity with enrollment topping 12,000. “Right now, we have about 4,500 beds of housing available on campus,” WCU Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Sam Miller said.
Visiting Western Carolina University’s Dr. Sam Miller and Dr. Kevin Koett
North Carolina Colleges online
2017-04-28
Dr. Miller was kind enough to give me a tour of campus which included a recreation center with the tallest climbing wall in the UNC System. He also shared that adjacent to that building was IMG_6499the gym where the first ever three point shot was made by WCU student-athlete, Ronnie Carr, on November 29, 1980. Additionally, I was able to see the Hinds University Center, which is a fantastic building featuring some great art including a tribute to the Cherokee.
Social