By Junious Smith III

Dr. Patrick Miller has been recognized on a state level and is now receiving national acclaim.

Miller was recently named the Conn-Selmer Division of Education Administrator of the Year, receiving the award on the campus of Bethel College in Mishawarka, Ind. Miller, who serves as the Greene County Schools superintendent, was awarded the 2019 A. Craig Phillips Superintendent of the Year award in November as the best in the state at his position.

Miller, who completed his 11th year as superintendent, said it was amazing to be a recipient of the inaugural Conn-Selmer award.

“Certainly, I was flattered and humbled about it all,” Miller said. “It’s especially meaningful because for 10 years I taught chorus and theater arts, so to be nominated by a band director is truly special.”

Joanne McGowan has worked with Miller for eight years and is the current band director at Greene County Middle School. McGowan said she nominated Miller because of his tireless efforts to protect the arts, writing in her recommendation, “he was even cited as one of the driving forces in the change in the law as of February 2018 that would allow school districts to protect Arts and PE positions. Otherwise, hundreds of music, art and PE teachers would have lost their jobs across the state.”

“He’s always supported the arts program as an integral part of our schools, understanding the importance toward creating a well-rounded student,” McGowan said. “He’s always made sure we had a program here, which is something you don’t see at every school, and we’re thankful to have him as a superintendent.”

Miller, who also received an advocate award from the N.C. Music Educators Association last year, said it’s been a great experience.

“In some ways it hasn’t hit me and other times it feels surreal,” Miller said. “There’s been an increase of requests for speaking and appearances, so that part has been challenging but enjoyable.”

Miller will have other obligations due to his A. Craig Phillips Superintendent of the Year win.

“I’ll be a superintendent advisor on the State Board of Education on July 1, and I’ll continue to enjoy this position (as Superintendent of the Year) until the new one is named in November,” Miller said