Today the UNC Board of Governors named Dr. Gary L. Miller chancellor of UNC Wilmington. Miller, provost and vice president for academic affairs and research at Wichita State University, accepted the appointment at a special meeting of the board held on UNCW’s campus.

“This is a time of unparalleled challenge and transformation in American higher education,” said Miller upon accepting the position. “It is also a time of great opportunity.”

In his speech, Miller addressed students, faculty and staff, the Wilmington community, Alumni, the Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors separately.

“If you will bring your talents, your ideas, your passions, and, most of all, a commitment to work hard,” said Miller, addressing the student body, “we not only will offer you the opportunity for a world class education, but we also will learn from you, we will collaborate with you, and, yes, we will be changed by you.”

Miller, 57, graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1976 with a B.S. in biology and a minor in anthropology. He also attended William and Mary for his master’s degree in biology, and he earned his doctorate in biological sciences from Mississippi State University. In addition, Miller has attended programs in educational leadership at Harvard University and Yale University.

“[Miller] has earned a reputation for great integrity, creative problem-solving, and a deep-rooted commitment to partnering with the local and business communities,” said UNC President Tom Ross at the meeting. “I believe Gary Miller has the right blend of skills and experience to be a strong, effective leader for UNCW.”

Miller introduced his wife, Georgia Nix Miller, to the crowd that overflowed into the hallway of the Education building. “You have offered me a job and, in accepting it, I am bringing a partner of extraordinary intellect and talent and compassion,” he said.

“I want you to know that I am passionately committed,” Miller said, addressing the Wilmington community, “to azaleas.” Laughter broke out. “I have tried to grow them in Kansas, but with no luck. As a citizen of Wilmington you can expect me to be fully supportive of azaleas, and I hope that here, the soils will be more supportive of me.”

Along with azaleas, Miller is a big fan of spiders. He has served as president of the American Arachnological Society and as associate editor of the Journal of Arachnology.

Miller will assume the duties of his post no later than July 1 and will earn an annual salary of $275,000.