Even as acceptance letters are going out for incoming students, the Office of Admission is undergoing a major transition in leadership. Claremont McKenna College alumnus Adam Miller was recently selected as the new director of admission to replace former director Kevin Dyerly after a nationwide search.
“Adam brings with him good experiences in international recruitment, athletic recruitment and student life; these are experiences that we think can help our office in those areas of admission and in connecting with others on campus,” said Tony Cabasco, dean of admission and financial aid at Whitman College.
Miller graduated from Claremont McKenna College in 2003 and then joined the Office of Student Life at the University of Redlands. While working toward an M.A. in higher education, he and his wife decided to move closer to Los Angeles. He was later hired by Claremont McKenna and became associate dean of admissions in 2010.
In between his educational careers, Miller was a professional baseball player after he graduated from Claremont McKenna.
“I pitched for Claremont McKenna’s baseball team throughout college, mostly as a relief pitcher my first two years and then as a starting pitcher my junior and senior years. Some of my fondest memories from college are from playing baseball and my teammates are among my closest friends to this day,” said Miller in an email.
When a former coach asked Miller if he wanted to play for Saint-Lô Jimmer’s in France, Miller “jumped at the chance.”
“When I was a kid I always wanted to be a professional baseball player … how many people actually get to live out their childhood dreams?” he said.
With his balanced background in athletics and academics, Miller is excited to work for Whitman.
“My initial positive impressions of Whitman were confirmed when I came to campus for my interview in January. Whitman is an ideal place in so many ways. The campus is beautiful. The students are dynamic and interesting. The staff and faculty are dedicated to creating a supportive, yet challenging environment that will help students reach their potential,” said Miller.
As with any move, changes are inevitable. As Miller is moving from one liberal arts college to another, he believes the changes shouldn’t be too extreme.
“I still have a lot to learn about Whitman … But in terms of size, academic excellence, liberal arts focus, commitment to undergraduates, quality of teaching and a host of other important factors, I think Whitman and CMC are more similar than different,” said Miller.
For admissions office interns such as senior Nikolas Hagen, a new director is expected to bring some changes, though not in the daily routine of most interns.
“[A normal workday] in the office as a senior admission intern [involves] doing interviews, planning visit days and reading applications,” said Hagen. Although as a senior he will not deal with the new hire directly, Hagen noted that some interns will be affected by this new development.
“I loved my time at Claremont McKenna, but Whitman offers an amazing combination and I am really excited for this move,” said Miller.
