Jean M. K. Miller will assume the position of dean of the College of Fine Arts at Illinois State University, effective July 1. Miller is currently the dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

Miller will replace James Major, who is retiring after serving as dean since 2007. For the month of June, John Walker, associate dean of the College of Fine Arts, will serve as interim dean.

Prior to her time at the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Miller served as associate dean of the College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas. She has held department chair positions at Towson University and Marshall University and faculty positions at East Tennessee State University. Miller received her Master of Fine Arts in painting from California College of the Arts.

“Jean M. K. Miller has a proven track record as an outstanding educator, scholar, artist, and leader,” said Illinois State University Provost Janet Krejci. “The College of Fine Arts will certainly benefit from her passion for the arts and her leadership experience. I’d like to thank the search committee for the time, expertise, and care that went into the nationwide search for the dean of the College of Fine Arts.”