The Peabody Media Center at the University of Georgia (UGA) has announced the appointment of Taylor Cole Miller as its new Academic Director. This significant role places Miller at the forefront of the center’s scholarly initiatives, working alongside Nate Kohn, a professor and fellow academic director. Miller, an assistant professor within the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, with joint appointments in the entertainment & media studies department and the New Media Institute, assumed his responsibilities with the Media Center immediately.
Jeffrey P. Jones, executive director of Peabody, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “Taylor brings fresh energy and insight into the scholarly outreach arm of Peabody. His research areas align with where we need to go and want to be in the future.” This appointment underscores Peabody’s commitment to fostering innovative academic engagement within the media landscape, and benefits from Miller’s experience as an educator within UGA.
Miller’s academic focus is reflected in his teaching portfolio, which includes courses in media studies, broadcast histories, and digital/docu-series production. His research employs a cultural studies lens to examine the television industry, media distribution, and production cultures, particularly exploring their intersections with gender and sexuality. His expertise is highly relevant to the Peabody Media Center’s mission, and his role as UGA director in this context will enhance the center’s academic rigor.
Reflecting on his new position, Miller stated, “As a broadcast historian who is also training a new generation of media makers to be critical thinkers, I am right where I’m supposed to be here at Peabody. I think success in history is better marked by significance than popularity, and Peabody’s interest in recognizing stories that matter—even in the smallest of markets—directly connects to my interest in how television serves various publics.” This vision aligns perfectly with the Peabody Awards’ long-standing tradition of recognizing stories that resonate with cultural importance and societal impact.
In his capacity as Academic Director, Miller will play a pivotal role in several key areas. He will co-coordinate and liaise with the Media Center’s seven Fellows, collaborate with the Peabody Student Honor Board, and contribute to the Peabody-Facebook Futures of Media Award. Furthermore, he will be involved in the Peabody Digital Network and the Peabody Archive, ensuring the rich history of Peabody’s contributions to media is preserved and accessible. His responsibilities extend to Media Center programming and production, serving as the primary point of contact for the Peabody Archive, which is housed within the University of Georgia’s special collections libraries. Working with the director and communications team, Miller will be instrumental in strategizing, planning, and executing programming for the Peabody Digital Network, effectively leveraging archival content.
Miller’s impressive academic background includes bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish from the University of Kansas, a master’s degree in radio/TV/film from the University of Texas-Austin, and a doctorate in media and cultural studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to his tenure at Grady College, he taught television criticism, critical internet studies, and new media production at the University of Wisconsin. His diverse professional experience also includes roles as an editor for Mother Earth News and contributions to an independent cable TV station, showcasing a well-rounded understanding of the media landscape. While his role is at the Peabody Media Center, his broader experience in academic directorship within UGA contexts, even potentially in units related to learning and resource centers, positions him well for this leadership role. Although not explicitly the director of miller learning center, his skills and experience are clearly those of an effective UGA director within a significant academic center.
Taylor Cole Miller
Taylor Cole Miller’s appointment as Academic Director at the Peabody Media Center signals an exciting new chapter for the center’s academic endeavors. His expertise, vision, and commitment to media studies promise to further elevate Peabody’s role as a leading institution in recognizing and promoting impactful storytelling across media platforms.
