World Campus pioneer receives Outstanding Achievement Award

The Sloan Consortium announced that Gary Miller, executive director emeritus of the Penn State World Campus, was selected to be the recipient of the organization’s 2008 Most Outstanding Achievement in Online Teaching and Learning by an Individual award.

During his 30-year career at Penn State, Miller was instrumental in the creation of the World Campus, Penn State's online campus. He also served as its first executive director.

Burks Oakley, chair of the Sloan Consortium's selection committee, said that competition was particularly strong this year.

"The selection committee felt that Dr. Miller was 'the best of the best,' and clearly was deserving of this award," Oakley said. "In evaluating his nomination, one committee member wrote: 'An exceptional leader in the field.' "

Craig Weidemann, vice president of Penn State Outreach, said that Miller's contributions were vital to the success of the World Campus.

"I am delighted to hear that Gary Miller has been recognized by the Sloan Consortium," Weidemann said. "It is a well-deserved acknowledgment of the contributions he has made and continues to make to the field. Penn State Outreach has benefited greatly from Dr. Miller’s leadership in directing Penn State’s World Campus, which now offers more than 60 online degrees and certificates."

The award will be presented Nov. 5 at the 14th Sloan-C International Conference in Orlando, Fla.

For more information about the World Campus, visit http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu online.