David Miller, professor in Brenau University’s College of Business & Communication, died Sunday, May 9.
Miller came to Brenau in 2012 and most recently served as lead faculty for the university’s MBA in health care management and B.S. in health care administration programs. He previously served on the medical school faculties of Emory University as adjunct professor of psychiatry and the University of Pittsburgh as associate professor of psychiatry and cardiothoracic surgery. In 2016, Miller was named to Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “Who’s Who in Georgia Education” list.
Brenau University President Anne Skleder said, “We are so sad about Dr. Miller’s passing. He was a premier teacher, mentor, colleague and friend to so many. I’m sure the entire Brenau family joins me in expressing our deepest gratitude for Dr. Miller’s life and for comfort for his family during these difficult days.”
Miller, who earned his bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Missouri in his native state, served for 12 years as director of the Department of Veteran Affairs’ Office of Research Oversight and was a graduate of the VA’s Healthcare Leadership Institute as well as an executive associate at the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C.
Highly regarded within the university, Miller was always eager to share his expertise related to healthcare management, said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Eck.
“We looked forward to hearing Dr. Miller lead panel discussions, anticipating his dynamic and energetic personality that led to thoughtful discussions and important insights,” Eck said. “Always greeting you with a smile and handshake, he exemplified in many ways the connection between the university and its local community.”
Outside the classroom, Miller served on the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners as well as vice chairman of the county board of health. He was a member of the Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary, vice chair of the Holly Theatre, treasurer of the Friends of the Dahlonega Gold Museum and board member of Enotah Casa.
Suzanne Erickson, dean of the College of Business & Communication, said Miller was not just a great professor but a great friend as well.
“We are devastated by the news of David’s passing,” Erickson said. “He was a great friend to all of us and much loved by his students. He will be sorely missed.”
Gale Starich, dean of the Graduate School and Ivester College of Health Sciences, said that she and her colleagues have many fond memories of Miller, who once had a joint appointment in the Ivester College of Health Sciences and the College of Business & Communication.
“To us, David was always fit and active, not to mention brilliant, funny and just plain fun,” Starich said. “Perhaps my fondest memory was when we had an early morning Neuroscience Journal Club, often called the Brain Journal Club. We dove into new research and cutting-edge treatments for various syndromes in the brain. That love of learning, his generous spirit working with our younger faculty and his real joy in helping our community be a better place for all residents is what will stick with me and encourage us all to keep growing and learning.”
Miller is survived by his wife of 36 years, Dr. Sue Miller; son Alexander and daughter-in-law Helen Miller; daughter Elizabeth and son-in-law Zachary Webber; sister Deborah and brother-in-law Jon Wingo; and sister Donna and brother-in-law Gordon King Sr.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 16. For more information, visit the Dahlonega Funeral Home website.
