The CMU administration saw one of its tenured members step down last Thursday. After five and a half years, Athletic Director Butch Miller resigned for personal health reasons. Coaches, athletes and faculty were all saddened to hear of his resignation, but were supportive of his decision. Miller was thankful for the support he was given by the administration during his time as athletic director.

“I would like to thank President Foster for all his support and I am very grateful for the opportunity that was bestowed upon me at this great university,” Miller said in a recent press release. “I will cherish the relationships I had with my coaches, colleagues and student-athletes and all the support and encouragement over the years.”

Miller began his time in Grand Junction as a student athlete. He was a transfer student from Colby Community College in Colby, Kan. and was a member of the baseball team for two years. He started at centerfield and was named to the All-Conference team in both of those years. He remained a part of the program after he graduated by serving as an assistant coach for six years. In 2004, he took the head coaching position for the women’s golf team and guided them to set several school records. He was awarded the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference coach of the year in consecutive seasons (2006-2007, 2007-2008). Miller also served as associate athletic director during that time. In 2008, Miller accepted the offer to become the school’s athletic director and made an immediate impact.

During his career, he introduced 12 new varsity programs and was a key contributor in the development and expansion of the athletic facilities on campus. He also oversaw fundraising and was the Corporate Sponsor Sales Director. President Foster explained that his optimism was a great asset for the program.

“He was a great young AD and he did a nice job for us,” Foster said. “When we added sports he had such a great positive attitude. We’re going to miss him.”

Despite his departure, the administration is confident that the athletic department will be run just as effectively. Associate directors Bryan Rooks, Kristin Mort and Jamie Hamilton will take the responsibilities of head athletic director until the search for a new director has been completed. According to Hamilton, the department is in good hands with its current staff.

“President Foster has set up a strong program,” Hamilton said. “You’re only as good as the people around you and we have some strong people like Bryan Rooks and Kris Mort in our program.”

Hamilton also reflected on his relationship with Miller and how much work he did for the department.

“When I was acting athletic director, I counted on him to give me all the insight and let me know what was going on with the coaches,” Hamilton said. “He had a true love for all the student athletes. I feel bad that he has to fight these personal health issues, but I hope he wins those battles.”

mfreter@mavs.coloradomesa.edu