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President Miller Honored with 2024 HRCAP Community Builders Award
Distinguished award recognizes individuals and organizations making significant contributions to community improvement
University News | June 7, 2024
Dr. Scott D. Miller, President of Virginia Wesleyan University, has been honored with the 2024 Community Builders Award by the Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP). The ceremony took place last evening at the Newport News Marriott at City Center. 
This distinguished award recognizes individuals and organizations in the Hampton Roads area who are making significant contributions to community improvement through initiatives in education, volunteerism, business development, and outreach. This year's theme was "Together Toward Tomorrow" and featured keynote speaker and award-winning actress and stage director Phylicia Rashad, who serves as the Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University.
Under Dr. Miller's transformative leadership, Virginia Wesleyan has witnessed remarkable progress and achievements. Notable milestones during his tenure include the university's transition from college to university status; the founding of the selective Batten Honors College; the launch of graduate programs and VWU Online; the completion of 21 new construction projects and over $110 million in capital enhancements; and the establishment of a global campus in Tokyo, Japan in collaboration with Lakeland University Japan (VWU Global). Furthermore, Dr. Miller's successful fundraising initiatives have substantially increased the university’s endowment from $53 million in 2015 to $123 million in 2021, marking the largest fundraising campaign in the university's history.
A native of Ridley Park in Philadelphia, and raised in Doylestown and Edinboro, Dr. Miller is deeply rooted in educational communities. His father, a public school administrator, inspired his lifelong commitment to education. Dr. Miller holds a B.A. in Communications from West Virginia Wesleyan College, an M.A. from the University of Dayton, an Ed.S. from Vanderbilt University, and a Ph.D. from The Union Institute and University. His early career as a journalist further shaped his perspective and approach to leadership in higher education.
Dr. Miller's visionary leadership and dedication to expanding educational opportunities exemplify the spirit of the Hampton Roads Community Builders Award, making a lasting impact on the Coastal Virginia and beyond.