WVU School of Medicine names Farnsworth Chair in Educational Psychiatry
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Mark D. Miller, M.D., professor of psychiatry has been named recipient of the Dana L. and Peggy M. Farnsworth Chair in Educational Psychiatry in the West Virginia University School of Medicine. The School of Medicine hosted an investiture ceremony honoring Dr. Miller on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. in the Pylons Lobby, with a reception following.
“This endowed chair is integral to the WVU Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry and Chestnut Ridge Center’s educational missions,” said Clay B. Marsh, M.D., WVU Health Sciences vice president and dean of the School of Medicine. “We are leaders in West Virginia in training the next generation of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses and other behavioral health professionals. This endowed chair will provide the resources to continue educating the next generation of behavioral health providers that serve the well-being of West Virginians.”
Dr. Miller is an internationally recognized senior psychiatrist with expertise in geriatrics and interpersonal psychotherapy. He joins us after 30 years at the University of Pittsburgh and brings the passion and knowledge of a world class educator, in addition to his extraordinary clinical skills and research accomplishments.
He earned his bachelor’s degree and medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He completed psychiatric residency training at Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia and is Board certified in psychiatry and neurology, and in geriatric psychiatry.
In addition to his clinical and educational activities, Dr. Miller has been actively involved in research throughout his career. He served as the medical director or co-investigator on eight National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-funded R01 grants and one funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). He has co-authored 92 published peer-reviewed articles, five book chapters and four books.
“It is a privilege and an honor to be awarded the Farnsworth Chair in a department that is deeply committed to training the next generation of mental health professionals,” said Dr. Miller. “In my view, teaching is the most noble profession, and I have been fortunate to benefit from many good teachers and mentors over the span of my career. My sincere intention is to pass along what I have learned as I continue to learn from my colleagues, students and patients alike.”
When creating endowed chairs, which is an irrevocable commitment, the University ensures that the area of study is of long-term interest and a benefit to the state and its citizens. The chair honors both the named holder of the chair and also serves as an enduring tribute to the donors who establish it.
Endowed chairs are crucial for recruiting and retaining the highest-quality faculty and for honoring faculty that have made a significant impact. Building a strong base of faculty talent enriches the academic environment, which attracts and inspires motivated students.
The endowed chair was funded with a $1.5 million gift from the Farnsworth Family.
-WVU-
Photo Caption: (1) Mark D. Miller, M.D. addresses faculty, friends and family during an investiture ceremony. (2) Colleagues and family surround Mark Miller, M.D. during the investiture ceremony. L-R: Clay Marsh, M.D.; Eric Miller; Marc Haut, Ph.D.; Joan Devine, M.D.; Mark D. Miller, M.D. (sitting)
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