THOUSAND OAKS : Chancellor Resigns at Cal Lutheran

In a terse statement that surprised the close-knit Cal Lutheran University campus, Chancellor Jerry H. Miller has announced his resignation.

Many administrators and professors had counted on Miller, 61, to lead an extensive fund-raising campaign over the next few years, as Cal Lutheran gears up for a $70-million expansion project to build new academic and athletic facilities.

But in a statement released earlier this week, Miller said he would leave next Friday because “the timing is right to explore new challenges.” He was not available for further comment Wednesday.

Some students and administrators said Wednesday that they were shocked at the sudden announcement.

A theological scholar, Miller had served as president of Cal Lutheran for 11 years, overseeing construction of a new library, chapel and science center and guiding the university as enrollment steadily increased.

When he left the presidency in August, Miller assumed responsibility for fund raising and development in the newly created post of chancellor.

In an interview several weeks ago, Miller said he was looking forward to the challenges of his new job, especially strengthening the university’s finances and building a strong relationship with the city of Thousand Oaks.

He gave no indication that he would be leaving soon.

In a statement accepting the chancellor’s resignation, Cal Lutheran’s new president, Luther S. Luedtke, praised Miller for making the university “a far stronger, more substantial and mature institution.”

“I value Dr. Miller as a colleague and friend,” Luedtke added, “and shall call on him liberally in the months and years ahead.”