Published in TB Business Magazine
Written by: Alexis Harborth / Photos by: Dustin Ashcraft
Location: Art Museum of South Texas
Dr. Kelly Miller has been with Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi since the brbeginning. What was originally Texas A&I brUniversity at Corpus Christi became Texas brA&M University—Corpus Christi between br1993-1994. Miller joined that year and, at 26 bryears old, was the youngest full-time faculty brmember. She taught for 16 years, was a brdepartment chair and dean and held the brpositions of provost and vice president for bracademic affairs.
In 2010, she co-authored a book titled Business and Professional Communication: KEYS for Workplace Excellence. Now in its brfifth edition, it went on to win a Textbook of brthe Year award this past year.br
Miller made history again in 2017 when brshe was named the University’s first female brpresident.brThroughout her stratospheric success, brMiller’s focus was always on students and brtheir successes.
“When I first became president, I was brasked, ‘What do you want your legacy to be?’ brAnd I thought: I already had my legacy,” she brsaid. “My legacy is seeing students as leaders brall over this community.”br
This passion and dedication drove her to brteach amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Events were canceled, so I have the brtime. I taught a class, and it was wonderful brto have that opportunity. Seeing these young brpeople and their dreams and aspirations, brworking so hard in a difficult situation—it just brgave me so much hope,” Miller said.
And they prevailed. Despite the brunprecedented times, TAMUCC experienced brsomething momentous.br“During COVID, our faculty turned on a brdime to be able to deliver quality education. brAnd we saw an 11.4% increase in the brgraduation rate.”br
It’s one of many in the long list of brsuccesses that the university and its students brhave experienced under Miller’s tenure, brwhich include a 300% increase in students brparticipating in honors programs and an brincrease in students who automatically brqualify for scholarships.
Her love for this community extends brfar beyond the university walls. Miller is brextremely active in the community, serving bron various boards and in many organizations brincluding the Corpus Christi Regional brEconomic Development Corporation, brAmerican Heart Association Circle of Red, brCorpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, U.S.S. brLexington, the Harbor Playhouse, the Art brMuseum of South Texas and the South Texas brBotanical Gardens.
With such an impressive and extensive brcareer, I asked her what stands out as among brits most rewarding and fulfilling elements. brWithout pause, she reflected on her history brand roots in teaching. “I just absolutely love it. brOur students are incredible,” Miller said. “It’s brstill the most rewarding job I’ve ever had.”
