Knox College recently welcomed three new members to its senior staff: Vice President for Advancement Marin Amundson-Graham, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance Scott Jones, and Vice President for Student Development Nicole Miller, Ed.D.
Knox Magazine spoke with each of them, learning more about what drew them to Knox and what they are looking most forward to in their new role.
Marin Amundson-Graham
Vice President for Advancement
“Knox is examining the kinds of big, necessary questions that the world needs from a liberal arts institution right now—and doing it with tremendous courage and conviction. This and Knox’s aspirations as part of the Venture Boldly comprehensive campaign are what called to me. It’s incredibly energizing to join Knox at a time when we can begin asking ‘what comes next’ and to be a part of shaping that future, all while remaining inclusive in approach and unrelenting in our commitment to student success and the larger impact.
I’m most looking forward to partnerships—partnership with President McGadney, with the Board, with faculty, staff and students, and with alumni and donors who believe deeply in Knox’s mission. This is a moment that calls for genuine trust and dynamic collaboration as we bring the campaign across the finish line and build the infrastructure that sustains its momentum for years to come. Having spent my career at institutions willing to wrestle with complexity and commit to progress—not for optics, but for making a real difference—I feel incredibly at home here.”
Read more about Marin Amundson-Graham.
Photo Credit: Steve Davis P’12
Scott Jones
Chief Financial Officer & Vice President for Finance
“The headwinds facing higher education are all too real, whether it’s the ‘demographic cliff ’ of fewer high school graduates nationwide in the coming years, the reputational cliff that colleges and universities have experienced from a precipitous drop in public perceptions, the challenges (and opportunities) posed by artificial intelligence, and the financial pressures on families that struggle to afford a higher education experience. I believe Knox has the right ingredients to be successful, now and in the future.
I would be remiss if I did not say it comes down to focusing on the students. That has been the hallmark of my time in higher education—ensuring the best student educational experiences possible—and I intend to do the same at Knox. I also very much look forward to supporting President McGadney as he continues to help Knox achieve sustainable progress during very challenging times for higher education.
On a personal level, two of my kids live in Chicago, so my wife and I look forward to moving closer to them. Also, my wife wanted me to say she is happy to be back in the Central Time Zone. She is originally from Kansas City but has lived on the East Coast for most of the last 40 years.”
Photo Credit: Steve Davis P’12
Nicole Miller, Ed.D
Vice President for Student Development
“From the moment I completed my campus tour, I knew Knox was a special place—one defined by curiosity, community, and a commitment to ensuring financial barriers never stand between students and their potential. I am genuinely thrilled to join the Division of Student Development and help shape a student experience in which every student is seen, heard, and truly valued.
What excites me most about this role is immersing myself in the culture of Knox through the experiences of its students. Understanding the values, traditions, and norms that have shaped the College is essential, because culture is most powerful when it is lived and felt by students every day. The student development team, faculty, and staff are stewards of that culture. We are all charged with bringing it to life in ways that foster belonging, curiosity, and growth. Our goal is for students to leave Knox confident, resilient, and prepared to lead, serve, and thrive—whether through graduate study, service, civic leadership, or career.”
Read more about Nicole Miller, Ed.D.
Submitted Photo