Building a stronger future for West Virginias agriculture and forestry industries and for families will be the role of David Miller , newly appointed as senior adviser for external relations for the West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences, W.Va. Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and WVU Extension Service.

“Both the University and the state of West Virginia will benefit from the unique qualifications and innovation Dave Miller brings to this position,”said Cameron Hackney, dean of WVUs Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences.”As a farmer, educator and public official, he is extraordinarily qualified and extremely dedicated to advancing the important agriculture and forestry industries in this state.”

Miller, who owns a working farm in Preston County, is West Virginias deputy commissioner of agriculture, a position he has held since 1995.

“We believe David Miller is the consummate choice to help the University and the state in developing the important public and private partnerships that will strengthen the future of West Virginia agriculture, forestry and families,”said Lawrence Cote, associate provost for Extension and Public Service.”Through Davids role, we look forward to developing an even closer working relationship with the many local, state and federal agencies and corporate partners with whom we work.”

“This was a difficult decision for me, as I have thoroughly enjoyed a strong working relationship and friendship with W.Va. Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass and his staff,”Miller said.”After a discussion with Commissioner Douglass, we agreed that this position is a unique professional challenge, as well as a tremendous opportunity to continue to serve the people of West Virginia, agriculture and the important related industries, including forestry,”Miller said.”I look forward to continuing to work closely with the W.Va. Department of Agriculture in this position and to further develop cross-agency cooperation that Commissioner Douglass has led among the agriculture and natural resources communities.”

He added,”On a personal note, working in Morgantown will allow me to dedicate more time to my own family and farm.”

“Davids return to his home area is understandable,”said W.Va. Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass.”In his new role, he will further strengthen relations among the Department of Agriculture, the College and Extension, as well as other partners. I wish him all the best.”

Miller will serve as a primary liaison for the College, Experiment Station, and Extension with federal, state and local governments and corporate partners. He will work with key constituents, and College and Extension faculty and staff to advance initiatives of the states agriculture and forestry industries, to develop partnerships and initiatives and to create more jobs in these sectors. As the College and Extension also have a strong focus on families and consumer sciences, his work will support these initiatives as well.

Miller received his bachelors degree from Fairmont State College and earned a masters in education from the University of Virginia. Prior to his position in the Dept. of Agriculture, he was director of personnel with the Preston County Board of Education.

Miller has served in the W.Va. legislature as both a member of the House of Delegates and state senator. As senator, he was vice-chair of the education committee and chairman of roads and transportation committee, and served on the agriculture, judiciary, natural resources and pensions committees.

Miller will begin his duties Oct. 1. The position will report jointly to Dean Hackney and Associate Provost Cote.