The W welcomes Matthew Miles as dean of students
Mississippi University for Women has named Matthew Miles as dean of students, bringing more than a decade of student affairs experience.
Jessica Harpole, vice president for student affairs at The W, said, “We are excited to welcome Matthew to the student affairs team. The values of our division align nicely with his experience, and I anticipate our student services will be positively impacted by his leadership.”
The dean of students provides leadership and direction for Housing and Residence Life, Student Life and the Counseling Center. In addition, Miles will serve as a Title IX deputy and chief diversity officer. As dean, he will work with campus and community stakeholders to provide student development and support services.
Miles said, “I am excited about the opportunity to serve as dean of students because it allows me an opportunity to advocate for students’ needs, speak for the voices that may not be represented in spaces and create a community of belonging while providing support for students as they navigate their developmental growth while becoming well-rounded citizens to face today’s challenges.”
Miles previously served as the interim manager for Student Organizations and Engagement Activities at South Louisiana Community College in Lafayette, Louisiana. In his position, he developed and implemented leadership and service programs and supported student advisers and student leaders of clubs and organizations. He additionally held the position of program manager for the Center for Minority Excellence. Miles was responsible for cultural and social engagement programs to educate and enrich the African American community and developing strategic partnerships to support student success, persistence, retention and graduation.
Before joining South Louisiana Community College, Miles served as the area coordinator for the Office of Residential Life at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
He was named to the 2022 Sawubona 30 Under 40 Class by the Pan African Network of ACPA and received the College Brother Advocate Award (2022) from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Miles has served on the Diversity Advisory Council, Students of Concern Team, First Year Experience Advisory Board and Behavior Intervention Team. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Miles holds a Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education and Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Northwestern State University.
Miles will begin at The W Monday, July 15 and will directly report to the Vice President for Student Affairs, Jessica Harpole.