March 27, 2020
I am writing to share with you the bittersweet news that Associate Dean of Student Engagement Alex Miller will be leaving Harvard at the end of this term. On July 1, 2020 he will begin his new role as Vice President for Student Development at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. Please join me in congratulating Alex on this wonderful career opportunity.
Over the course of his time at Harvard, Alex has had an immeasurable impact on our student community. Among his many accomplishments are restructuring the Student Engagement unit to create an integrated four-year student experience; developing programs to promote student leadership such as iLead, Harambee Summit, and Innovation Mondays; increasing the visibility of student programming opportunities through the expansion of the College Events Board and Crimson After Dark; and creating a cohesive set of policies and procedures for Independent Student Organizations, just to name a few.
In addition to the tremendous work Alex did in his role as Associate Dean, for nearly two years he has served as Acting Associate Dean for Inclusion and Belonging. In this role, he was instrumental in helping to develop a mission and vision for the unit; reintegrating the Harvard Foundation into the Dean of Students Office; and contributing significantly to the University strategic plan for inclusion and Belonging.
These are just a handful of the many achievements that Alex leaves behind, but they do not fully capture his legacy. Much of what he achieved cannot be summarized on a resume or in a bullet point. Throughout the last four years, Alex has left a lasting impression on the many students and colleagues who he has partnered with. I know I am not alone when I say that I will miss Alex’s presence, leadership, energy, innovative approach to challenging situations, and his ability to bring out the best in others. Most of all, I will miss his unwavering commitment to you, our students.
As plans for the transition are created, we will share those with the community.
Thank you, and please join me again in congratulating Alex and wishing him all the best in his new venture.
Warm Regards,
Katie O’Dair
Dean of Students