Miller new journalism program director

When the Dow Journalism Program started in 1998, no one knew exactly what the director would do, what his relationship to The Collegian would be, if he would have a desk and if there would be an office of any kind.
Now, after over a decade of improvisation, overseeing the award-winning Collegian, and settling into an office, the first director of the program, Tracy Simmons, has left the position, leaving a vacant seat during the spring semester.
The college recently announced that John Miller, a writer for National Review and author of the novel "The First Assassin," will fill Simmons' place next fall as the new program director.
As director, Miller is charged with instructing students, representing the program to donors and integrating journalism into the liberal arts.
Provost David Whalen said the college president appoints the program director with the advice of faculty and faculty advisers. He said the college had considered other journalists as well, but Miller was at the top of the list. Whalen said Arnn offered the position after gathering opinions of Miller's suitability.
Miller said Arnn first called him last August.
"I wasn't looking for a job," Miller said. "But we started talking."
After a few more calls and a visit to the school, during which he gave a lecture about Teddy Roosevelt and football, Miller accepted the position.
Simmons said when he was first offered the position of program director he turned it down. He took the position after an external affairs employee approached him a second time in Washington, D.C.
"He thought if I took it I had a moral obligation, as he put it, to stay for three years," Simmons said. "But I stayed for over 10 — more three times as long — so I'd like to think that I discharged my duty on that front."
Miller said he plans to continue Simmons' legacy, as well as integrate the journalism program with the WHIP program in Washington, D.C. He said he would continue writing for National Review and looks forward to starting at Hillsdale next fall.
Miller is no stranger to Hillsdale. A Michigan native, he grew up in a home that received Imprimis. He visited Hillsdale's campus many times to visit his brother, a '77 alumnus, and to see speakers such as P.J. O'Rourke during weekend escapes from Ann Arbor.
Miller attended the University of Michigan and became editor for the Michigan Review before working at The New Republic. Later, he moved to National Review, where he has written for the past 13 years. He has written three books, one novel and started the Student Free Press Association, an online publication for young journalists.
Simmons said he plans to write for the next several months before moving on to his next project. He said Miller is the best choice Hillsdale could make.