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When construction plans for the Miami University Voice Of America Learning Center took shape, designers joked there was one non-negotiable item for the complex.

The auditorium was required to have room for a grand piano for Director Rod Nimtz.

Two things the 31-year Oxford resident is most passionate about are pianos and Miami University. He will take on the directorship of Miami's newest facility located in West Chester Twp. on Cox Road at the entrance of Voice of America park. It will host an alumni center, conference space, several master's and continued education programs that complement the two regional campuses.

"As the chief executive of the VOALC, he will certainly be a prominent personality and leader in our community," said Chris Metcalf, vice president-provost of Miami University-Middletown. "Miami is very fortunate to have such a talented individual as part of our university community."

His talent for administration is evident, but Metcalf said the community will be thrilled with Nimtz's piano skills.

"The sheer enjoyment— it's so relaxing to set down and play," Nimtz said of his lifetime hobby. "I've been playing for Miami events since 1978."

Besides backing up Jay Leno in Oxford and traveling with the glee club to Europe, Nimtz also has played at community events and for his church, St. Julie Billiart Parish in Hamilton.

The other passion, he said started when he was a boy who fell in love with the historic appeal of the red-bricked campus at Oxford.

"I remember my dad saying to me, 'Well, this is where you'll probably go to college.' "

Nimtz has been close to the learning center project since the very first e-mail memo was sent out to brainstorm ideas March 30, 1995. From that moment, he has been involved with everything from the land acquisition at the Voice of America metro park in 1996 to the ground-breaking Sept. 5, 2007. Classes will start in January 2009.

Hamilton Campus Dean Daniel Hall praised Nimtz for his experience in finances and operations.

"We're excited about it," he said. "I think he's an ideal choice and we look forward to his leadership out there."

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5067 or lhilty@coxohio.com.