Governor Zell Miller to Join College Faculty

Georgia Governor Zell Miller -- known nationally as “the education governor” will return to his alma mater, the University of Georgia, as a Distinguished Professor of Higher Education and the first holder of the Philip H. Alston Jr. Chair after his term of office ends in January, 1999. 
The announcement was made July 29th by University of Georgia President Michael F. Adams in the Chapel on North Campus. Mrs. Elkin Goddard Alston, whose $1 million gift will fund the chair in honor of her late husband, attended the event, along with her son, John G. “Jimmy” Alston, a member of the University of Georgia Foundation board of trustees, and other family members.
“This is a particularly appropriate tribute to Philip Alston, whose devotion to higher education and to the University of Georgia was extraordinary,” said Adams. “We are grateful to Mrs. Alston for her generosity in creating this chair and are especially pleased to have a person of Governor Miller’s national stature as the first chair holder. We welcome his return to his alma mater and know his presence will have an important impact on campus and beyond.” 
College of Education Dean Russell Yeany said of the appointment, “Governor Miller has been the ultimate education governor. His support for education has led to changes in this state that will have a lasting impact on the people and the economy of Georgia well beyond his and our involvement in the educational enterprise. We have been very fortunate to have him as Governor and will continue to benefit from his insight in his new role as Distinguished Professor of Higher Education.” 
Philip Alston, a prominent Atlanta business and civic leader, was U.S. ambassador to Australia during the Carter administration and served on the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. He died in 1988. 
At UGA, Miller will join the faculty of the Institute of Higher Education, established in 1964 as a service, instruction and research agency, and part of the College of Education. Miller is expected to be involved in teaching undergraduate and graduate students. He also will play a role in the creation of a new series of colloquia and roundtables planned by the institute to focus on significant issues in higher education, and is expected to take part in two ongoing institute activities: the Governor’s Teaching Fellows Program and the Faculty Development in Georgia Program. Miller also will have an opportunity to pursue his research interests in Southern politics and history.
(8-24-98)