Miller, who has led the academy with distinction since 2017, is retiring from the university after a tenure marked by a deep commitment to academic excellence, civic engagement and the advancement of leadership education. Under her leadership, the Drinko Academy strengthened its role as a cornerstone of intellectual inquiry and public discourse at Marshall and throughout the region.
“Dr. Montserrat Miller’s impact on the Drinko Academy and Marshall University is profound and enduring,” said Marshall University President Brad D. Smith. “Her dedication has helped shape generations of students and elevate meaningful dialogue on campus and beyond. We are deeply grateful for her service.”
Miller said her love for Marshall will continue even after retirement.
“Marshall prepared me as a student, offered me the opportunity to teach and engage in scholarship as a member of the History Department, and then called upon me to re-direct my energies to the Drinko Academy, where I have had the privilege of working with brilliant students and colleagues who are committed to civic literacy, civil discourse, and the rule of law,” she said. “Advocating for these values has become more crucial now than ever. I am thrilled with the selection of Dr. Del Chrol as the next executive director of the Drinko Academy and look forward to helping him in the transition period over the next couple of months.”
Smith said Chrol will be an excellent leader and looks forward to working with him to move the Academy forward.
“I am confident that Dr. Chrol will build upon the strong foundation established by Dr. Miller and continue advancing the mission of the Drinko Academy,” Smith said.
Chrol joined the Marshall faculty in 2006 in the Department of Classics. He said he is energized to continue the important work of the academy and build on the work that Miller nurtured during her tenure.
“My life’s work as a Classicist and educator is rooted in understanding complex eras of the past and considering which choices the ancients made that remain worth keeping — and which we ought to avoid — in our own challenging times,” Chrol said. “I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to carry forward the programs Dr. Miller established, such as Constitution Week and the Voter Friendly Campus initiative, and to develop new efforts that protect intellectual freedom, foster civil discourse and ultimately help us realize a more perfect union.”
Chrol brings a strong record of academic leadership and a vision for continuing the academy’s mission of fostering thoughtful discussion, ethical leadership and engaged citizenship. In his new role, he will oversee programming, strategic initiatives and partnerships that advance the academy’s work.
The transition marks a new chapter for the Drinko Academy as it continues to serve as a hub for dialogue, scholarship and leadership development.
About the John Deaver Drinko Academy
The John Deaver Drinko Academy at Marshall University promotes the values of leadership, ethics and public service through lectures, student programs and community engagement initiatives. More information is available here.