SUU to Family Legacy

Janice Miller, Rylie Miller and Don Miller

The Miller family of southern Nevada has created a SUU Alumni legacy spanning three generations.

This legacy started with Don Miller, who graduated in 1961 from what was then the College of Southern Utah (CSU). He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. At this time, CSU had not yet become a four-year college, so his degree was earned through a cooperative program through Utah State University. Following graduation, Don went on to enjoy a successful and respected career in education where he served for many years as the principal of the elementary school in Boulder City, Nevada. He and his wife Janice have four children: Brent, Mark, Brian, and Michelle. Don is now retired and lives in St. George, Utah.

Rylie Miller and Brent Miller

Twenty-three years after his graduation, Don’s son, Brent, graduated from Southern Utah State College (SUSC) with a degree in zoology. Brent served as a science senator in the ASSUSC Student Senate and following graduation, he attended Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. After graduating with his DDS in 1988, he returned to Las Vegas and has enjoyed a successful practice known for kindness and individualized attention ever since.

Mark followed Brent three years later, and following in his brother’s footsteps, served on the ASSUSC Student Senate as a freshman senator. He thoroughly enjoyed his time at SUSC and graduated in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Mark’s greatest memories include the relationships he built with classmates and faculty at the college.

Brian Miller and Mark Miller

Like his brothers before him, Brian embraced T-Bird Nation quickly and was a forward on the basketball team, a position he played for two seasons. Brian also served on campus for two years in the ASSUSC student senate as science senator. Brian’s love for the game of basketball continues today, and he enjoys attending SUU basketball games when he is in Cedar City and making a traditional stop at Brad’s Food Hut. He graduated in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in biology/zoology.

After their time at SUSC, both Mark and Brian graduated from Southern California College of Optometry and completed their residencies at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Today Drs. Mark and Brian are the owners of Advanced Eye Care in Las Vegas. They have been partners for many years and are well-regarded for their successful practice and caring demeanor.

Brian Miller and Jordan Miller

The Miller family tradition at SUU has continued into the third generation, starting with Brent’s daughter Rylie, who graduated this past May with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training. She completed her time at SUU as the valedictorian of the Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human development and was a finalist for Scholar of the Year at the Thunderbird Awards. She had the opportunity to be an athletic trainer for both the football and men’s basketball teams, and is now pursuing a master’s degree in athletic leadership at Boise State University while serving as a graduate assistant athletic trainer for their women’s swimming and diving team.

There was also another Miller on campus this past year as well. Rylie’s cousin, Jordan, (Brian’s son) attended his first year of college at SUU during the 2018-2019 school year. He enjoyed his freshman year as a Thunderbird and will return to the most beautiful campus in the world following the completion of missionary service in Sao Paulo, Brazil for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So while there may not be a member of the Miller family on campus this fall, they maintain a great love for the University.

We are grateful for these three generations of Thunderbirds who truly represent what it means to create an alumni legacy.