A reception for Dr. Vernon Miles, Henderson State University’ new provost and vice president for academic affairs, and his wife Kathy will be held Friday from 9-10:30 a.m. in the Garrison Center Jones Room foyer.

The public is invited.

Miles was named to the new post in August and officially began his duties on Oct. 1.

His selection followed a comprehensive search process led by a committee consisting of faculty, staff and students.

Miles, a native of Jackson, Miss., earned his bachelor’s degree from Belhaven College in Jackson, and received his Ph.D. and M.A. in English at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. 

He taught and was promoted through the faculty ranks to professor of English at Union College in Kentucky, where he also served as chair of the Department of English, Communication, and Foreign Languages and as vice president for academic affairs.

He also served as dean of the College at Lynchburg College in Virginia before becoming vice president and dean for academic affairs at Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans.