Gary L. and Georgia Nix Miller Endowed Scholarship

In recognition of The University of Akron’s 150th Sesquicentennial Anniversary, Dr. Gary L. and Mrs. Georgia Nix Miller established The Gary L. and Georgia Nix Miller Endowed Scholarship to assist University of Akron students.

Dr. Miller was named University of Akron president in 2019, after previously serving as chancellor of University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. A leading national figure and advocate for higher education and its ability to impact society, Dr. Miller has served in leadership capacities at several public universities in regions within North Carolina, Kansas, California and Mississippi. Dr. Miller earned both bachelors and master’s degrees from The College of William and Mary and earned his Ph.D. degree in biological sciences from The University of Mississippi. His research focused on arachnids and their environments and received 25 grants and contracts, including from the National Science Foundation, the National Geographic Society and the U.S. Forest Service. He co-authored a widely used textbook, Ecology, and has presented his work all over the world.

Georgia Nix Miller’s passion to use education and community services to uplift communities, particularly underserved segments, has driven her professional efforts and positively affected the lives of many. After working in the Dallas, Texas private sector, Mrs. Miller, who holds bachelors and master’s degrees from The University of Mississippi, founded the Family Crisis Services of Northwest Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi. The organization coordinated resources among public school districts, medical and human services providers, and law enforcement to better serve children and families. Under her leadership, the organization became a model program nationally. In her honor, The Georgia Nix Miller Award was established at The University of Mississippi and is awarded to students serving the community. She has also served as CEO of the San Joaquin Chapter of the American Red Cross and served on numerous civic and community boards dealing with the enhancement of communities through education and engagement.

Dr. and Mrs. Miller are champions of students who have overcome challenges and adversity through grit, determination, and hard work. They desire to help such students achieve their dream of a college degree.

Recipients of The Gary L. and Georgia Nix Miller Endowed Scholarship will represent a cross-section of UA students who have met adversity and overcome challenges. The scholarship is open to students of any major who do not meet low income requirements for grants, but who do not have the financial means to meet their cost of attendance personally. This scholarship is meant to help students fill their funding gap and reduce the amount they must borrow in student loans, which is often the only financial aid available to them.

The number of students and amount of each scholarship will be determined as funds are available. Selection of recipients will be made by the University Scholarship Committee.