Nicole Miller has joined Knox’s senior leadership team as of Mar. 2, 2026.
“I believe education is one of the most powerful forces for individual and societal transformation,” Miller said.
An educator with nearly 30 years of education experience in K-12, colleges, and community-based initiatives, Miller is excited for her time at Knox.
She comes from Goodwin University, where she has held key roles such as Associate Dean for Community Inclusion and Belonging, Director of Academic Advising and Career Services, Director of Educational Opportunity Programs, and Director of Student Engagement since 2010.
Miller is originally from Illinois. She was born in Chicago and spent part of her early teenage years in Illinois and Michigan. She mentioned how the Midwest has always been a part of her, so her relocation feels more like a homecoming than anything else.
She holds her master’s degree in higher education alongside a doctorate in education in curriculum, teaching, learning, and leadership from Northeastern University.
Miller was drawn to the college by its history and its commitment to access and community. Her life’s work has focused on equity, inclusion, and opportunity–exactly what Knox is known for. As seen in the College’s mission statement:
“Empowering Students Since 1937: Knox College is a community of individuals from diverse backgrounds challenging each other to explore, understand and improve ourselves, our society, and our world.”
Miller said she was inspired by the opportunity to continue her work because of these values.
Miller highlighted her commitment to Knox students as one of her shining abilities. Her goal in her time on campus is to get to know the student body well enough to understand where support is needed, and to draw clear pathways for students to develop and grow.
When meeting with students across campus, Miller noted a few questions she plans to focus on: where students thrive, where barriers get in the way, and what keeps students up at night. From there, she explained her biggest task:
“My responsibility is to translate what I hear into action,” Miller said. “Whether that means increasing my visibility, improving communication, strengthening wellness resources, expanding leadership development, or ensuring students are more intentionally connected to career exploration opportunities or graduate programs that prepare [them] for life after Knox.”
Her initiative is based on three points: care, community, and connection. In her time at Knox, she plans to emphasize wellness resources, create friendly student environments, and utilize the Bastian Family Center for Career Success, the Kleine Center for Community Service, and immersive learning opportunities to send students on a purposeful path post-graduation.
Miller mentioned how she views student development as more than programming. In her opinion, it should build an environment where students feel comfortable enough to explore themselves, confident enough to challenge themselves, and supported enough to ask for help.
“[Students] are not here just to earn a degree. [They] are here to grow into who [they] are becoming. My role is to help build the kind of environment—and community—where that growth is possible,” Miller said.
Miller noted that she wants to connect with students on a personal level. One character trait she is proudest of is her ability to build meaningful relationships. She believes that her experience in attending three different high schools in different regions of the country taught her how to enter new environments with sincere connections.
To Miller, connection is presence. She expressed how she intends to be at events, student organization meetings, athletic events, performances, and campus-wide gatherings. Leadership, in her opinion, shouldn’t feel distant or removed, as she has seen students thrive when they knew the adults on campus truly cared.
“That said, connection does not replace professionalism—it enhances the relationship. My goal is to ensure students feel comfortable approaching me not only when challenges arise, but as partners in shaping campus life—for those who are here now and for those who will follow,” Miller said.
Other faculty, including Knox College President Andrew McGadney, have expressed their excitement about Miller’s arrival, calling it a strong opportunity for Knox.
“Her background in leadership and career development programs is particularly relevant as the college works to prepare Knox students for careers and life in the 21st century,” McGadney shared in an email to the student district on Feb. 4.
