Share this Story
President Scott D. Miller to be Honored by Urban League
A longstanding tradition of the Urban League, annual event recognizes individuals whose efforts reflect Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of equity and service
University News | December 30, 2024
Virginia Wesleyan University President Scott D. Miller will receive the Martin Luther King Community Leadership Award for Education at the Urban League of Hampton Roads' 41st Annual MLK Community Leaders Awards dinner on Thursday, January 16, at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
The event, a longstanding tradition of the Urban League, recognizes individuals whose efforts reflect Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of equity and service. Gilbert Bland, President and CEO of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, will present the award to Dr. Miller, who has been recognized for his leadership in education.
“I am both humbled and honored to be included among the 2025 award recipients,” Dr. Miller said. “This recognition is a reflection of the collective work we (the VWU community) are doing together, and it is a privilege to contribute to the ongoing progress in our community.”
The 2025 Urban League Martin Luther King Community Leaders Award recipients include:
- Economic Development: Jeremy Bridges, Hampton Roads Shipping Association
- Education: Scott D. Miller, President, Virginia Wesleyan University
- Finance: Victor Branch, Senior Vice President and Richmond Marketing President at Bank of America
- Health: Alfred Abuhamad, Dean, Eastern Virginia Medical School and Executive Vice President of Brock Virginia Health Sciences, ODU
- Housing: Kenneth Cooper Alexander, Mayor of Norfolk, and Donovan Duncan, Executive Vice President of Urban Strategies, Inc.
- E.L. Hamm Lifetime Achievement Award: Tim Reid, actor, writer, director, and producer
One of Dr. Miller’s key priorities at Virginia Wesleyan has been building partnerships with Coastal Virginia communities and enhancing the University’s role as a premier institution for the liberal arts and sciences. Recently, he announced the creation of the new VWU Center for Urban Leadership Education, which includes initiatives such as a talent development program in partnership with the City of Virginia Beach, a prison education program, a workforce neurodiversity initiative, an affordable housing program, and the relocation of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art to the VWU campus. Last month, he signed a shared resources agreement with Virginia Christian College to provide direct operational support to a growing minority serving institution.
Dr. Miller, who has served as VWU president since 2015, previously was president at Bethany College (2007-15), Wesley College (1997-2007), and Lincoln Memorial University (1991-1997).
He has been a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, earning recognition as the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities’ 2022 Humanitarian of the Year.
As President of the 117-member North American Association of Methodist Colleges and Universities, Dr. Miller was a vocal national advocate for LGBTQ rights within the clergy and membership of the United Methodist Church.
Last year, he received the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) M.A.S.K.E.D. Award — Mankind Assisting Students Kindling Educational Dreams — which honors individuals who support the UNCF’s mission. Dr. Miller was also recognized with the Community Builders Award by the Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP) for his proven efforts in advancing meaningful positive change in the Hampton Roads area.
“I am deeply grateful for this recognition and look forward to celebrating alongside these exceptional leaders as we honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy,” Dr. Miller said.
Learn more about VWU’s diversity and inclusion initiatives here.
The Urban League of Hampton Roads, established in 1978, is part of the national movement empowering African Americans and others to enter the economic and social mainstream.