School of Architecture Dean Norman Millar, who previously taught at SCI-Arc, UCLA, Pasadena Art Center and was active on both the San Diego and Los Angeles campuses of Woodbury, succumbed to pancreatic cancer on April 14. He was 62 years old. Named "Educator of the Year" in 2014 by the AIA|LA and elected as President of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) in 2012, Millar's legacy extended not only to his pragmatic pedagogy, but his dedication to fostering a culture of warmth and joy among his students. According to a statement released by Woodbury, he once said that “I exited architecture school with the intention of making good buildings, and discovered that teaching expanded my passion by fostering it in students."

The head of the Woodbury architecture program since 1999, Dean Millar saw enrollment in the program triple during his watch. According to a 2013 discussion with Scott Johnson, as a child Millar initially wanted to become an orthopedic surgeon, but the nastiness of his own broken leg, an injury he acquired while skiing, steered him toward architecture. He also operated Norman Millar Architects, which completed several projects including a cor-ten steel and concrete sheathed house at the Sea Ranch in Northern California. Although no memorial services have not been announced at this time, Woodbury will share any details as soon as they become available. 

Here's a video of Millar in discussion with AIA|LA 2013 Board President, Scott Johnson, FAIA, where he describes his background: