Jim Miller Named Interim Advancement Vice President

President Ken Gormley has appointed Jim Miller interim vice president for the Division of Advancement. He follows John Plante, senior vice president for advancement, who retired in June. Miller most recently served as associate vice president in the advancement division and senior advisor to the president for leadership giving.

“Jim Miller has demonstrated his commitment and loyalty to Duquesne University—his alma mater—for more than 33 years,” said President Ken Gormley. “And, as one of my senior advisors, I have seen firsthand what an asset he is to the University, our leadership team and alumni. Jim is an accomplished and seasoned professional whose skills in relationship-building will continue to strengthen our connections with Duquesne alumni, friends and stakeholders. I’m thrilled to have him step into this important role and lead the advancement team as the University enters a new era of success.”

Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in business, management and marketing from Duquesne in 1987 and joined the Division of Advancement that same year.

“I am excited by the opportunity presented by President Gormley to lead our team of talented and hard-working advancement professionals as we continue to pursue the ambitious strategic agenda of the University administration,” said Miller. “We are blessed to have both breadth and depth of experience in all advancement departments. I am honored by the opportunity to more fully support the team and President Gormley in this role.”

During his time at the University, Miller has worked three successful capital campaigns: Spirit of the 90s (1987-1993), Celebration of Excellence—Opportunity of a Lifetime (1995-1999) and Advancing our Legacy (2008-2012). The most recent campaign, which was led by Miller as the chief development officer at the University, is the largest fundraising campaign in Duquesne’s history and raised $163.5 million. It also received the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s (CASE) fundraising improvement award in 2013.

Miller also is a three-time Reeher Prime Officer Award recipient. This honor, which Miller received in 2017, 2018 and 2019, recognizes the top gift officers in its community a result of analysis of activities in the previous fiscal year of more than 1,500 gift officers on the Reeher Platform. The online platform is designed to assist higher education fundraising efforts utilizing predictive modeling, web-based software and peer communities.

“I consider my nearly 38-year association with the University as both a student and professional to be one of the great blessings in my life,” Miller said. “Having had the opportunity to meaningfully serve the University community during, arguably, the most successful and transformational four decades in our distinguished 143-year history—supported by so many remarkably generous alumni and friends—has been humbling and inspiring.

“Our loyal donors are the secret to our sustained excellence,” Miller added. “I have no doubt that they will continue to partner with us and ignite our efforts to achieve even bigger goals.”

The University plans to launch a national search this fall for a new senior vice president of advancement.