Dr. Keith Miller and Dr. Jeremy Thomas
Former Black Hawk College president Dr. Keith Miller has been named the first-ever President Emeritus by the Black Hawk College Board of Trustees.
“I am deeply honored to be named the first President Emeritus of Black Hawk College,” he said. “I will forever be grateful to the Black Hawk community for their genuine warmth and unwavering support.”
Dr. Miller led the college from July 2000 to June 2008. He left to become the second president of Greenville Technical College and plans to retire from the South Carolina school in July 2025.
Dr. Miller’s 34-year career in higher education includes roles as a faculty member, dean, vice president and president. Before coming to Black Hawk College, he was president of Spoon River College in Canton, IL, for four years.
As president of Black Hawk College, he served on the American Association of Community Colleges Board of Directors, the Governor’s Task Force on Dual Enrollment, the Community College Review Editorial Board, the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents and local chambers of commerce, among other organizations.
“His visionary leadership fostered significant prosperity, community engagement, and lasting positive impacts at Black Hawk College,” said Dr. Jeremy Thomas, current president of Black Hawk College.
“Dr. Miller’s positive impact continues to be felt and remembered by college employees and residents throughout the district,” he said.
Steve Spivey was on the BHC Board of Trustees when the college hired Dr. Miller.
“The success of any organization, public or private, depends on the people leading them and the people comprising the organization” said Spivey, BHC trustee emeritus and board chair from 2000-03.
“Dr. Miller is excellent at working with people, from faculty and staff to his executive leadership team, community and business leaders, students, others served by the college, and trustees,” he said.
“My presidency at Black Hawk was especially meaningful as I was privileged to lead a professional team, work with an excellent Board of Trustees, and partner with strong community leaders,” Dr. Miller said.
Lauren Simer worked with Dr. Miller at Black Hawk College then joined him at Greenville Tech in 2010 as vice president of institutional effectiveness.
“Throughout his tenure as a college president, Dr. Miller has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and student success,” she said. “His impact can be felt in how he always prioritized the needs and growth of Black Hawk’s students.
“Dr. Keith Miller embodies the qualities of a true leader: integrity, vision, and a relentless dedication to doing what is right for students,” Simer said.