Patti Miles

Dr. Patti C. Miles serves as Dean and Professor of Management Science at the Central Washington University College of Business.  She is a passionate advocate for student success, she believes higher education should educate the whole person by combining academic excellence, experiential learning, professional development, and a strong sense of community. 

Dr. Miles brings a unique leadership journey to higher education. A former Division I student-athlete and U.S. Army logistics officer, she served for more than two decades as a U.S. Army Office, in leadership positions around the world before earning her Ph.D. in Management Science from the University of Texas at Arlington. She also holds a Master of Management Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and military science from Weber State University.   

Prior to joining CWU, Dr. Miles served as Associate Dean and Professor at the Maine Business School, at the University of Maine.  In her time there she helped lead initiatives focused on student success, retention, graduate education, and industry engagement. Her academic research spans operations and supply chain management, corporate social responsibility, organizational leadership, resilience, and performance in high-stress environments, including studies involving U.S. Navy SEAL training. She has authored more than 25 scholarly publications and remains an active researcher.   

As dean, Dr. Miles is committed to developing engaged, ethical, and resilient future leaders. She is working to expand internships, mentorships, industry partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities while fostering a culture where students can find their people, discover their potential, and confidently pursue meaningful careers. Her leadership philosophy centers on integrity, perseverance, service, and the belief that people accomplish extraordinary things when someone believes in them.  She embraces her work with the attitude of an Army officer and the breath of a scholar.   

When Dr. Miles is not at work, she is outside, walking, running or hiking.  She is married to her best friend, fellow academic and outdoor partner, Grant Miles.  Together they share lives of eight adults. Patti is the mother of four, Grant the father of three, and together they are the chosen parents of the eighth.  All work to make the world a better place in unique ways.    

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