Alton Miller, well known in Chicago media and political circles as press secretary and speechwriter to the late Mayor Harold Washington, has been named Associate Dean of the School of Media Arts at Columbia College Chicago. Miller succeeds Debra Schneiger who recently left Columbia to become Dean of the School of Media & Communication at National University in La Jolla, California.
"Alton has an impressive and diverse background with a unique blend of creative communication skills, educational experience and business acumen," says Doreen Bartoni, Dean of the School of Media Arts. "I am confident that he will be an asset in building upon the continuing goals and objectives within the School of Media Arts, as well as the college at large."
Miller, who holds an MFA in creative writing from Goddard College, has served as a full-time faculty member in the college's Marketing Communication Department since 1999, having taught public relations in the department since 1990. He serves on Columbia's Civic Engagement Committee and has worked with senior administration on numerous communication strategies and efforts. His professional career includes more than 30 years of experience in the arts, media and politics.
"I am thrilled to be serving Columbia and our students in this new capacity," says Miller. "I believe passionately in the college's mission of educational opportunity and the capacity of artists and communicators to contribute to the common good. I look forward to helping the School of Media Arts and Columbia grow and meet the challenges of the decades ahead."
Prior to joining Columbia, Miller served as communications director and campaign manager for Chicago City Treasurer Miriam Santos, communications director for the 1991-1992 U.S. Senate primary campaign of Carol Moseley-Braun, and press secretary/speechwriter for Mayor Harold Washington (Chicago) from 1985-1987. Before entering the political and academic arenas, Miller's career in arts management included eight years as associate producing director at Arena Stage in his native Washington, D.C. and five years as managing director of the Washington Ballet.
Miller authored two books on the late mayor, Climbing a Great Mountain: Selected Speeches of Mayor Harold Washington (1988), which includes an introduction by Coretta Scott King, and Harold Washington: The Mayor, The Man (1989). He has also authored a lobbying handbook for the Illinois Arts Alliance entitled Democracy in Action (2000) and written numerous articles for publications including the Chicago Tribune, American Theatre, Illinois Politics, In These Times, and Newsday. He co-authored a third book entitled William Warfield: My Music & My Life (1991).
He will remain active as a freelance writer, as well as be an advocate for the Illinois Arts Alliance. He will also serve on the boards of directors of the Community Media Workshop and the Chicago International Documentary Festival.
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