Posted September 27, 2012

Dr. Robert Miller, director of planning and research for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will be presented with a prestigious award Oct. 16 for his extraordinary efforts in the area of research on behalf of the Church.

The Rev. Louis J. Luzbetak, S.V.D., Award, given annually by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University, honors a researcher who has made a significant lifetime contribution to research in the Catholic Church.

Miller is being recognized for setting a national standard of excellence in his efforts to support the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s 1.4 million Catholics in 257 parishes across five counties.

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“We are so blessed to have Dr. Miller and his expertise at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and we are overjoyed to see him honored for his service,” said Auxiliary Bishop Timothy C. Senior. “He has helped our diocese develop an information management system, promote effective parish self-studies, facilitate inter-parish collaborative planning and use research and planning in broad consultative processes to achieve reorganization. His contributions can be felt by all of the Catholics in the Philadelphia region, and his work here has helped to shape the research and planning of other dioceses across the country.”

Prior to his work with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Miller was the dean for continuing education at Philadelphia University, and assistant to the dean for the College of Business at Drexel University in Philadelphia where he also held teaching positions. He also served on the faculty at Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J.

He has served as a member of adjunct faculties at Eastern University, St. Joseph’s University, Villanova University, Thomas Jefferson University School of Graduate Study, the University of Phoenix and the Church Ministry Program of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

His education, leadership and prior experience have made him an integral part of the Steering Committee for Archdiocesan Pastoral Planning, the Planning Committee of the Board of Education and most recently the Archdiocesan Blue Ribbon Commission on Catholic Education.

In addition to his service within the archdiocese, he has contributed to the Church as a board member of the Center for Study of Church Management at Villanova University and the Conference for Pastoral Planning and Council Development.

In 2003 he was named a Knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great for meritorious service by Pope John Paul II.

Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, chairman of CARA’s Board of Directors, will present Miller with the award at Georgetown University.

Miller earned his doctorate from Temple University in the area of leadership. He holds an MBA from Drexel University and a bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University. He has also done post graduate work at the School of Education, Harvard University and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in the area of leadership.

He and his wife Sherry of 37 years have three grown children and are active members of St. James Parish, Elkins Park, where he serves as a consultant to the parish pastoral council.