Ken Miller set to retire after more than three decades of service
After more than 35 years of dedicated service to Virginia Tech, Ken Miller has announced his retirement.
“I have been very fortunate and privileged to spend most of my career here at Virginia Tech, my alma mater. The work has been very rewarding and full of opportunities and challenges, and I am proud to have been a part of many projects over the years that resulted in improvements to financial processes and the university’s overall financial health. I especially appreciate the honor to have worked with so many dedicated and talented team members and colleagues throughout the university,” said Miller.
Miller was appointed vice president for finance in April 2020 and also serves as the university treasurer. In these roles, he provides financial leadership in support of Virginia Tech’s mission and serves as a trusted, collaborative resource for university leadership. As leader of the Division of Finance, Miller oversees the university’s accounting and financial reporting, procurement and surplus property, budget and financial planning, capital budgeting, financial management, debt and cash management, financial information technology, risk management, and university bursar functions. Under his leadership, the Division of Finance has enhanced university business practices and transformed several financial and business information systems to improve customer service for faculty, staff, and students.
“Ken’s insight and collaborative spirit have been invaluable as we worked to achieve Virginia Tech’s mission of education, discovery, and impactful service to the commonwealth and beyond,” said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. “The university community has been well served by Ken’s extraordinary financial expertise, integrity, and institutional knowledge over the past 35 years, and we are deeply grateful.”
Miller supports the mission and long-term objectives of Virginia Tech’s strategic plan by providing financial services and strategies to enhance the academic and research experience of the campus community. He also maintains effective working relationships with commonwealth and regulatory officials from local, state, and federal organizations, and he is a strong advocate for advancing the university’s priorities and strategic plan.
He previously served as assistant vice president for finance and university controller from 2011-19, and university controller from 2001-11. In these roles, Miller led financial management and accounting operations, including accounts payable, payroll, internal accounting control, accounts receivable, financial reporting, fixed assets, and insurance programs.
“Ken is recognized not only at Virginia Tech, but across the commonwealth, as a financial leader in higher education,” said Amy Sebring, Virginia Tech’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “I was aware of his strong reputation prior to my arrival at Virginia Tech and have benefitted from his financial acumen, balanced approach to problem solving, and wise counsel since joining the university. I’m pleased for Ken personally as he plans for his retirement, but the loss of his knowledge and know-how will be keenly felt by the university.”
Miller received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Virginia Tech and is a licensed certified public accountant in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Prior to working at Virginia Tech, he served as a staff auditor for a national public accounting firm and as a financial manager for the American Heart Association. Miller maintains membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants.
In retirement, Miller is looking forward to a number of things – as an avid gardener, he will spend more time working with plants. And of course, he’s excited to make the trip to Parking Services to claim his retiree parking permit.
“I look forward to traveling, volunteering, and having more time to enjoy recreational and leisurely activities,” said Miller. “I might even learn to play pickleball.”
Miller’s retirement is effective April 30, 2024. Virginia Tech will launch a national search to fill this critical role. Rhonda Arsenault, senior associate vice president for advancement and chief operating officer, will chair the search committee for his replacement.
