2008 Woodie Awards
Miller retires after 37 years of service
Gustavo Gruber
Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: News
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"It's simply my time," said Miller. "I will serve out my term and complete everything for which I am responsible."
Miller is originally from Atlanta, Ga. and the third of six children. He graduated from Dothan High School in Dothan, Ala. in 1962.
Miller got his Bachelor's degree in Chemistry at Birmingham Southern College in Birmingham, Ala.
He then attended Vanderbilt University where he received his doctorate in Chemistry and Physics.
"In 1971, I heard from a friend that there was a new college here at Gallatin," said Miller. "I came here, applied and got a job as chemistry instructor."
From 1971 to 1981, Miller became a faculty member and coordinated the chemistry program at Vol State.
"After only a few days on the job, I knew my entire career could be spent here," said Miller.
In 1981, he was promoted to the position of chairman of the division of mathematics and science. He worked in that position until 1993 when he was appointed Associate Dean in the same division.
Three years later, Miller began serving as Dean of the Division of Science and Mathematics.
In 2003, he obtained his current and final position here as Assistant Vice President of Student Services.
"The crowning experience of my entire life began in the very first class that I ever taught in Gallatin in September of 1971," Miller said.
That year, Miller met his wife Gail Miller.
"She took the class and disappeared at the end of the term," he said. "Five years later she came to my office and we talked."
Two years later, they married at Millikan's Overlook in Fall Creek Falls State Park near Cookeville, Tenn.
When asked what he is going to miss the most about Vol State, Miller said, without doubts, the people.
"I am a people person," said Miller. "I spent my entire professional life here and this is also the place where I met my wife and best friend."
"I am heartbroken because he is a great person to work with," said Advising Center secretary Cynthia Atteberry. "It is going to be a hard adjustment not having him here."
"He likes to be called co-worker instead of boss," said Advising Center Office Supervisor Amber Ritchie. "I really enjoyed working and having him as a boss."
Advisor Kellie Jones also said she was sad and shocked when she heard about Miller's retirement. However, she is glad that Miller will now have time to spend with the ones he loves.
After retiring, Miller said he and his wife are planning to travel around the world.
"My wife is really happy with my decision because now we can travel and visit those places that we have always wanted to go," he said.
"I am in excellent physical and mental health," he said. "I know I can keep doing this job, but I need a longer vacation now."
"It was a privilege to serve as the first speaker of the faculty assembly, to be one of the first to reach the rank of professor, and to serve as dean for 19 years," Miller said.
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