FORT WAYNE, Ind. (5/24/11) - The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) didn't look far to find its first full-time commissioner. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) member hired a former part-time commissioner of the WHAC and former NAIA director of Champions of Character initiatives Rob Miller to lead the conference.

Eight institutions comprised the WHAC since the 2005-06 academic year: Aquinas College (Mich.), Concordia University (Mich.), Cornerstone University (Mich.), Davenport University (Ohio), Indiana Institute of Technology, Madonna University (Mich.), University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Siena Heights University (Mich.). The conference expanded in 2010 when University of Northwestern Ohio joined and will have 10 institutions when Lourdes College (Ohio) becomes a member for the 2011-12 academic year.

"The presidents of WHAC schools recognized the growth of the conference warranted a full-time commissioner," said WHAC president Dr. Arthur Snyder. "Rob Miller is the right person to lead the conference into the future."

Miller's history with college athletic administration is extensive. He spent the last three years as commissioner of the Sun Conference and guided the league through an expansion phase and a name change. As the NAIA's director of Champions of Character for eight years, he pioneered the organization's efforts to change the culture of sport through character. He also served as a regional director for six of the 14 NAIA regions.

Prior to joining the NAIA, Miller led the National Christian College Athletic Association for 5 years and served the WHAC as part-time commissioner from 1992-97. Miller earned his undergraduate degree in Education from Spring Arbor University in 1986 and his Master's degree in Sports Administration from Michigan State University.

"Rob is familiar with our conference and a seasoned NAIA conference commissioner," added Dr. Snyder. "He will serve our student-athletes well."

Miller's leadership is of the highest caliber. He was honored with the Mike Krzyzewski-College of the Ozarks Leadership Award in 2004 and was named a Spring Arbor Alumni Young Leader the same year. In 2007, he received the Win the Tip Honoring the Profession Award. He currently sits on the NAIA National Administration Council and is a member of NACDA and Win the Tip Basketball Network. He also served on the steering committee for the USA Coaching Coalition from 2002-2007.

"I am excited to work again with people and institutions I hold in high regard," said Miller. "The opportunity to help lead the WHAC is an exciting challenge. Our main goal as we work together is to provide the student-athletes we represent with a great experience."

Miller's official start date is July 1; however, he is consulting with the WHAC on a case-by-case basis.