by Nikole Gianopoulos
The University of West Georgia’s business building has recently received approval by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents Committee on Real Estate and Facilities to be named, J. Mark Miller Hall, in honor of Dr. J. Mark Miller, the first dean of then-West Georgia College’s School of Business. Dr. Miller represents a myriad of “firsts” and has consistently made numerous contributions to UWG and the Richards College of Business throughout his career.
"Dr. Miller, hired by then-West Georgia College in 1964, was the first chair of the Department of Business Administration, the first head of the Division of Business and Economic Studies and the first dean of the School of Business,” says Dr. Kyle Marrero, president of UWG. “Changing the name of the business building to ‘J. Mark Miller Hall’ solidifies his legacy as the leader in business education at the University of West Georgia that he truly has been.”
Following his retirement from UWG in 1990, Dr. Miller continued to demonstrate his support by serving as interim chair of the Department of Marketing and Real Estate in 1995.
"I am very happy that we have the opportunity to name the business building in Dr. Miller's honor,” adds Dr. Donadrian Rice, professor and chair of the UWG Psychology Department. “Dr. Miller's foresight and legacy continues to positively impact the academic and professional careers of our business majors.”
Dr. Miller also plays an active role in the Carrollton community. He is a dedicated member of the Carrollton Kiwanis Club and also served as a past director. He was one of the first citizens to volunteer in the mediation programs for the Carroll County Court and has served in this position for over 20 years. Dr. Miller also served as president of the Interfaith Help Service Center and the Carroll County Republican Party.
Additionally, Dr. Miller was a Commonwealth Distinguished Visiting Professor at Virginia State University, Visiting Professor of Marketing at Western Kentucky University and Alabama State University, and interim dean for the School of Business at Savannah State College. He is also a former president of the Southern Business Administration Association, a fellow in the Academy of Marketing Science and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi and Beta Gamma Sigma, both honorary societies. He has also received multiple awards including Alpha Kappa Psi Distinguished Service Awards, Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America and an Honorary Associate in Humanities Degree from Andrew College.
The building dedication ceremony is set to take place later this summer or early fall, where Dr. Miller will be officially recognized for his years of dedication and contributions to UWG and his leadership in building the Richards College of Business.
“Dr. J. Mark Miller has provided outstanding and distinguished service to the university, the Richards College of Business and the community,” concludes Dr. Faye McIntyre, dean of the Richards College of Business and Sewell Chair of Private Enterprise. “No one is more deserving of this honor than Mark, who has been an inspiration and mentor to so many students and faculty over the years. I am honored to follow in his footsteps as dean and grateful for his continued support and leadership.”
For more information on the Richards College of Business, please visit www.westga.edu/business/.
