We are happy to announce that Michael M. Miller has been given the honorary title of Emeritus Director of the GRHC. To be appointed an emeritus title at NDSU, you must be a retired member of faculty or staff and be nominated by your department and approved by the Dean and appropriate President’s designee. This is an honorary title based on evaluation criteria that includes length of service to the institution; significance of contribution to the department, college, NDSU, or State of North Dakota; and the degree of eminence of scholarly or creative works (NDSU Policy 361).
The nomination letter, submitted by Jeremy Kopp, GRHC Outreach & Operations Coordinator, included a description of Michael’s many accomplishments and reads in part, “I would like to submit this Emeritus nomination for Michael M. Miller, retired Director & Bibliographer of the Germans from Russia Heritage Collection (GRHC). Michael M. Miller retired on December 1, 2022, after serving NDSU for 55 years and 6 months, making him the second longest serving employee in NDSU history. His contribution and service to NDSU, the Libraries, and the GRHC are extensive and well documented. I hope you agree that these accomplishments, as well as his length of service, qualify him to be awarded Emeritus status.”
In her approval of this nomination, Dr. Jolie Graybill, Dean of Libraries, shared, “Thank you for this nomination on behalf of Michael Miller. I am in agreement with your nomination and his accomplishments, reach, and relationships developed over the span of his career. I support and approve this nomination.”
In the appointment letter, Dr. David Bertolini, Interim Provost, shared, “On behalf of North Dakota State University, I would like to express appreciation and congratulations for your distinguished service.”
Emeritus status also allows Michael to maintain his email address in retirement, serve in a volunteer advisory capacity when requested, and access university library resources. He will continue to volunteer for special projects at the GRHC on a part-time basis.
Click here to listen to a recent interview that Michael did with Ashley Thornberg on Prairie Public's Main Street. He addresses his Emeritus Title, the future of the GRHC, Prairie Public documentaries, the Journey to the Homeland Tour, his time in Ukraine, and more.
Please join us in congratulating Michael on this well-deserved honor. You may email Michael at Michael.Miller@ndsu.edu.
To make a donation to the GRHC in honor of Michael, please click here.