Southern College of Optometry Names Vice President for Institutional Advancement
George Miller brings nearly 20 years of fundraising experience to college
Southern College of Optometry (SCO) recently named George Miller, a certified fund raising executive, as its vice president for institutional advancement. With nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit consulting, Miller oversees all development strategies for the college, including fundraising, alumni relations and marketing.
“George is a highly qualified, dynamic leader with a proven track record of success in nonprofit fundraising and the execution of strategic initiatives,” said Dr. Lewis Reich, president of SCO. “Through his previous tenure and familiarity with SCO and his counsel with a variety of nationally renowned nonprofits, George demonstrated the key strengths necessary to guide and grow the college’s development efforts and marketing programs.”
Miller is no stranger to SCO. He served as the college’s director of development in 2011. Prior to his return to campus, he served as senior account director at the Gabriel Group in St. Louis, where he consulted with national nonprofits in developing and executing fundraising campaigns. His nonprofit and fundraising history also includes experience with Operation Smile and The Pursuant Group, along with higher education foundations for Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta State University.
In his new role, Miller will manage teams in departments including development, alumni relations, the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence, community engagement and communications.
“A cornerstone of any educational institution’s outreach strategy is effectively connecting with its core constituencies, namely alumni,” Reich said. “George’s expertise will elevate SCO’s efforts in this area and allow us to better communicate with those most interested in the college. I look forward to the exemplary new ideas and efforts he will lead to ensure SCO’s continued success.”
Miller earned his Master of Business of Administration and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Delta State University. In 2006, he earned his certified fund raising executive credential, an internationally recognized certification acknowledging a professional’s ethics and depth of fundraising knowledge. Miller and his wife, Rachel, are the parents to three children and live in Southaven, Mississippi.