The latest administrative change has been finalized with a new associate dean of Professional Studies taking over the reins.

Sharon Miller was recently appointed to the position and with her 17 combined years at NIU, including three as the acting associate dean of Professional Studies, she is very confident of doing a good job.

Miller said she is looking forward to working with the newly moved gerontology program. “I’m looking forward to working with the director of the gerontology program to develop the curriculum,” Miller said.

She said she is very familiar with the campus and the people of NIU. She also previously served as the coordinator for NIU’s School of Allied Health Professions.

“One of the advantages I have is having been here so long,” she said. “I know the needs of the programs and the directions they’re going. I’m up to speed with providing assistance.”

Miller’s area of expertise is medical technology. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology and chemistry from Northwestern University and a doctorate in biological sciences from the University of California.

Dean of Professional Studies James Lankford said Miller is very qualified for the position.

“Dr. Miller brings a balance of professional expertise as well as excellent teaching skills and administrative foresight to the position,” he said.

“I look forward to having her continue with the curriculum development in the college and the facilitation of faculty research which has yielded grant funds of more than $2 million in the last year,” he added.