Elmhurst University announced on April 29 that Courtney Miller has been named the University’s provost and vice president for academic affairs.

A faculty member at Elmhurst for nearly 21 years, Miller has been serving since this past summer as the interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty.

“I’m proud of what we have accomplished as a University and of the enduring values that define us, especially our commitment to teaching, and to providing our students with an exceptional and meaningful academic experience,” Miller said. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me and am honored to accept the role of provost and vice president for academic affairs.”

“Throughout an impressive career at Elmhurst that has successfully spanned both faculty and senior administrative roles, Courtney has been a tireless advocate for the faculty and the institution,” Elmhurst University President Troy D. VanAken said. “As I spoke with our school deans, cabinet members, trustees, faculty and academic staff, they expressed overwhelming support for Courtney’s leadership and contributions to our work. This confirmed my own observations—that her collaborative approach, deep institutional knowledge and passion for our mission made her the natural choice for this critical role.”

Miller first joined then-Elmhurst College in 2005 as an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences. She rose through the academic ranks, becoming a full professor in 2015 in what has become the Department of Communication and Media. Before being named interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty, she served for nearly three years as dean of the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

“Over the past 21 years, I have seen firsthand the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the curiosity, talent and potential of our students,” she said. “I look forward to working with our campus community to advance our shared commitment to academic excellence and student success.”

Miller earned her Ph.D., master’s and bachelor’s degrees in communication studies from Northwestern University. She officially assumes her new role at Elmhurst on June 1.