CLEVELAND — The National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) is mourning the loss of Past President Kenneth Miles, who passed away on Saturday, Aug. 15 at the age of 49.
 
Miles served as N4A President in 2016-17. He worked as executive senior associate athletics director at The University of Michigan since October 2019, after spending 11 years at LSU as the assistant vice chancellor and executive director of the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes.
 
"Our N4A family is saddened by the loss of Kenneth Miles, a pillar of our Association," said Ursula Gurney, Deputy Director of Athletics/SWA at UMKC and current N4A President. "Under his leadership as President he helped N4A transform into an organization focused on both student-athlete development and academics. His compassion and care for our membership, his institutions and student-athletes was felt by all. He will be dearly missed."
 
Miles was a dedicated N4A member and leader for more than a decade. During his presidency in the 2016-17 academic year, he oversaw the rebranding of the Association from The National Association for Academic Advisors of Athletics to The National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals, culminating with the unveiling of a new logo and brand at the 2017 N4A Convention in Orlando, Florida. Miles, along with Jean Boyd, was also pivotal in elevating the N4A and enhancing its depth to include student-athlete development professionals. He was highly regarded, receiving the N4A's Professional Excellence Award for Region II in 2017.
 
As chair of the N4A Finance Committee, Miles spearheaded the Association's work to increase and enhance its sponsorship. He secured several new sponsorships enhancing the N4A's assets. His true passion of serving others was evident in his everyday interactions, as countless students and N4A colleagues looked to Miles as a mentor and friend in the industry. One of his treasured ways of giving back to young professionals was through a collaborative presentation he gave almost yearly at N4A's National Convention titled, "Recommendations for Rookies."

Miles began his career as an athletics administrator in student-athlete development after a successful student-athlete experience at The University of Virginia (UVA). He was a key contributor for the UVA football program during the 1989-1992 seasons, helping the Cavaliers go 33-14-1 and win a share of the ACC Championship in 1989.
 
After his playing career, Miles served as associate athletics director at Syracuse University (SU) for student-athlete support. Under his academic direction, the SU football program notched a perfect 100 percent graduation rate in 2000 along with a 93 percent rate during the 1999 and 2001 seasons. Those marks earned the institution a trio of American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Achievement awards.
 
The N4A leadership, its members and the NACDA National Office Staff are keeping the Miles family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
 
Remembering Kenneth Miles
"I was devastated by the news of the passing of Kenneth Miles, a respected and beloved colleague and friend. He made all of us better and was a transformational leader. He truly embodied "Lift As You Rise" and impacted so many in N4A and beyond. My thoughts and prayers are with the Miles family along with his Michigan and LSU families."
-- Kim Durand, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student Development, University of Washington, N4A President 2014-15
 
"The man with the deep commanding voice, gentle spirit, and who was everyone's friend has departed us in the physical presence. However, his spirit will live forever in the lives of all of us he deeply impacted. I cannot fathom that we won't see him again, but we'll never take for granted our time with him and will honor him with our efforts to elevate students as long as we are here. Kenny Miles, ALWAYS LOVED and NEVER FORGOTTEN."
-- Jean Boyd, Deputy Athletics Director, Arizona State University, N4A President 2015-16
 
"N4A is a better organization because of Kenneth's innovative approach, people-centered philosophy and bold thinking. Kenneth left his special imprint on everyone he cared for and everything he touched. Love always leaves a mark."
-- Felicia Martin, Vice President of the Eligibility Center, NCAA, N4A President 2017-18
 
"Colleague, mentor, servant leader, friend. These words can only begin to capture the essence of Kenneth Miles. We will miss his friendship, kindness and humor tremendously. His impact on N4A and on student-athletes is immeasurable. We love you, Brother Miles."
-- Mike Meade, Senior Associate Athletics Director/Academic Services, University of Oklahoma, N4A President 2018-19
 
About N4A: N4A, which has been in existence since 1975, is a diverse educational service and professional non-profit organization. Membership of N4A includes academic support and student services personnel who are committed to enhancing opportunities for academic, athletics and personal success for student-athletes. For more information on N4A, visit www.nfoura.org. N4A is administered by NACDA, which is in its 56^th year. For more information on NACDA and the 17 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.