SDSU’s Miller selected as School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies director

South Dakota State University professor Tyler Miller is the newly appointed director of the School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies. He joined the SDSU faculty in 2012 after earning his Ph.D. in experimental cognitive psychology from Texas A&M University. Miller’s appointment will officially begin in June 2026.

“What initially drew me to SDSU was the opportunity to work in a place that values both teaching and research in alignment with its land-grant mission. It felt like the right balance from the start,” Miller said. “Being a South Dakota native made that decision even more meaningful. Since then, SDSU has remained a place where teaching, research and service are all valued and expected to work together.”

Since that time, Miller has served in several leadership roles, including inaugural associate academic director for the school, where he helped guide program development, curriculum, enrollment planning and academic operations. He currently serves on the Social Sciences Ph.D. Advisory Council and represents SDSU on the South Dakota Board of Regents Social Sciences Discipline Council. He has also served as chair of the University Academic Affairs Committee and the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Council.

Miller is the recipient of several awards and honors such as SDSU’s Edward Patrick Hogan Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 2026 Global Engagement Award for International Education and Student Engagement.

“Because the School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies will make important contributions to the university’s R1 mission, it requires both experienced administration and an innovative vision,” said David Earnest, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. “As a longtime faculty member and school leader, Dr. Miller is uniquely qualified to provide this leadership. His demonstrated ability to translate long-term goals into practical action will greatly benefit the students, faculty and the university.”

As director, Miller is focused on strengthening the school’s portfolio of programs, supporting faculty and student success and advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, including the launch of the social science Ph.D. program.

“The Ph.D. program is a unique opportunity for the school to collaborate with partners across campus on interdisciplinary research that addresses complex societal issues,” Miller said. “Over my 14-plus years at SDSU, I’ve developed strong relationships across campus and a deep appreciation for interdisciplinary work. As director, I see my role as continuing to build the structures and connections needed to support the program’s long-term success.”

A cognitive psychologist, Miller directs the SDSU Cognition Lab, where his research focuses on metacognition. His work has received support from organizations including the Association for Psychological Science, the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

“Throughout his career, Dr. Miller has demonstrated a remarkable dedication to student success, whether through exceptional classroom instruction or engaging travel study opportunities,” Earnest said. “His leadership will continue to provide our students with the academic excellence that distinguishes SDSU."

Miller is a South Dakota native and lives in Brookings with his wife, a faculty member in the SDSU School of Education, Counseling and Human Development, and their two children.