About the Miller Center
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Gerald L. Baliles, former Governor of Virginia and former Chairman of the board of PBS, became the Director of the Miller Center in April 2006.
Mission
The University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs, following Jefferson's vision of the University's public service mission, is a leading public policy institution that serves as a national meeting place where engaged citizens, scholars, students, media representatives, and government officials gather in a spirit of nonpartisan consensus to research, reflect, and report on issues of national importance to the governance of the United States, with special attention to the central role and history of the presidency.
The Center pursues its mission through:
- Presidential Recordings Program
- Presidential Oral History Program
- Governing America in a Global Era
- American President: An Online Reference Resource
- Forum Program
- Public Conferences
- National Discussion and Debate Series (New Initiative)
Origins
The Miller Center of Public Affairs was established in 1975 through the generous gift of Burkett Miller, a Tennessee philanthropist and businessman who envisioned a university-based, nonpartisan institution to focus on the American presidency and important public policy issues. Miller believed the traditions of democracy, scholarship, and community associated with Thomas Jefferson's university made Virginia the ideal setting for such a place.
Scholars and Staff
The Miller Center has more than fifty scholars and staff, including two Bancroft Prize winners.
Governance
The Miller Center of Public Affairs is an integral part of the University of Virginia, with maximum autonomy within the University system. Under the Miller Center's Bylaws, the Governing Council oversees the Center's work and mission.
The Miller Center Foundation was established in 1987 to support the work of the Center and serve as ambassador to the public on behalf of its initiatives and programs. The Foundation is governed by its Board of Directors.