The Sally A. Miller Humanities Center

The Sally A. Miller Humanities Center at The University of Akron was established in 1999 through the generosity of university alumna Sally A. Miller (class of 1958) and her husband, Joseph G. Miller. It was created to foster the study and appreciation of the humanities at The University of Akron and in the wider Akron and northeast Ohio communities. Thanks to the Millers’ support, the Humanities Center provides a lasting haven and forum for teaching and learning about the cultural interactions that have shaped the human experience over thousands of years.

Education

We support cutting-edge interdisciplinary courses designed to introduce students to the history, literature, culture, and arts of human civilizations. In addition, we hold workshops with educators to share new approaches to teaching and studying the humanities.

Research

We offer fellowship support for humanities-based research by university-affiliated scholars and students. We are especially interested in funding research with the potential to create new educational opportunities for students and members of the larger community.

Outreach

We sponsor an annual free public lecture by a humanities scholar of international reputation. This event gives both the university and northeast Ohio communities the opportunity to contemplate and discuss our place in the world and its history. We also encourage scholars affiliated with the center to find new ways to share their research with the public.

A Lifetime of Service and Generosity

Born in 1919, Sally A. Miller (the former Sally Taylor) is an Akron native. While working as an executive secretary at the Newcastle Army Air Base during World War II, she met Joseph G. Miller, who served nearly four years as a pilot in the China-Burma-India Theater, and was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Air Medal, a Presidential Citation and a medal from the Chinese Government for Meritorious Service. After the war the couple settled in Akron, where Joseph embarked on a distinguished career as a private-practice attorney. Meanwhile, Sally earned a B.A. in Education from the University of Akron (enhanced by her membership in the Kappa Delta Pi honorary society). Reflecting her lifelong dedication to education, Sally Miller then taught for many years in the Akron Public Schools and at Coventry High School. Both Sally and Joseph Miller were active as volunteers and philanthropists in the Akron community,  particularly with the Soldiers' and Sailors' Relief Commission and the Salvation Army.

The Millers are among the University of Akron's most generous benefactors, having established the Joseph G. Miller Professorship in the School of Law, and the law school's Joseph G. Miller and William C. Becker Center for Professional Responsibility in addition to Sally A. Miller Humanities Center.