Darkow returns to Miami after spending the past year as director of disability and testing services at Cleveland State University.

Dan Darkow is the Miller Center for Student Disability Services new director, as of April 15, 2024.

Darkow comes to Miami University from Cleveland State University, where he served as the director of disability and testing services. However, the move to Miami’s Miller Center is somewhat of a homecoming. Darkow had spent the previous eight years at Miami, first as a graduate student, then in roles of increasing responsibility with the MIller Center. During most of that time, he also served as visiting adjunct faculty in the educational psychology disability studies minor program since fall 2017.

The Miller Center partners with disabled students and the campus community to develop individualized access plans, provide education opportunities, and implement strategic initiatives to promote disability as a form of diversity at Miami. Darkow has previously served in the center as an access coordinator, assistant director, and acting director.

Darkow brings passion, education, and experience to disability services. As director, Darkow aims to advance an ‘access first’ philosophy where the needs of disabled students are inherently valued and accessibility is at the forefront of the Miami campus community.

“Disability and access transcend all aspects of the Miami experience and I look forward to partnering with our students, faculty, and staff in fostering a culture of access,” said Darkow. “I am thrilled to be back at Miami where my personal and professional experiences can lead our disability services and accessibility practice.”

Darkow has a bachelor of science in management information systems from Wright State University and a master of science in student affairs in higher education from Miami University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Miami’s student affairs in higher education doctoral program.

“It is important to me when hiring candidates that they want to serve our students, they are positive, and they have an incredible work ethic,” said BaShaun Smith, dean of students and associate vice president of student life. “I was able to see all of these qualities during my time with Dan throughout the interview process. He truly understands that we are here to support our students and he values positivity in the workplace.”

Smith became Miami’s dean of students in August and this is his first official hire as dean. “Dan has set the bar extremely high.”