He received his high school diploma from Murphy High School, Mobile, AL in 1959; his B.S. from Samford University, Birmingham, AL in 1965; his M.Ed. (1978) and his Ed.D. (1982) from the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS where he also received a post-doctoral fellowship in 1986. Bert served as a teacher and coach at Theodore High School, in Theodore, Alabama (1965-67) and Davidson High School in Mobile, Alabama (1967-69). From 1969-71, Bert worked as a stockbroker and then went back to serve in education as head football coach and teacher at McGill Institute in Mobile. From 1972-75 he was self-employed in construction and real estate. Bert served as a coach, teacher, assistant superintendent, and federal projects director during the 1975-1983 years at Lumberton Line Consolidated School District in Lumberton, MS. He served as the head Principal at Perry Central High School, Perry County, MS, from 1983-1986. From June 1986 to July 1990 he served as Assistant Superintendent (Curriculum and Instruction) in the Cleveland School District, Cleveland, MS.
Bert began his collegiate teaching career at Palm Beach Atlantic College (later University) in 1991 as Assistant Professor of Education and Supervisor of Secondary Education. Bert had an illustrious career at Palm Beach Atlantic where he was a much beloved professor by students and colleagues alike, and he received many honors, including the University’s highest award for faculty, the Charles and Hazel Corts Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2000. He received grants from the Quantum Foundation and the Bell South Foundation for an applied research program entitled “What Works” and he reported on the program in presentations to numerous organizations and educational associations as well as through a variety of published articles. Bert also provided leadership for the Center for Educational Innovation, an electronic portfolio project, a number of computer-related initiatives, and served on innumerable committees. In addition to all of his formal assignments, Bert was well known to students in the School of Education as a go-to person for assistance with computers, educational software, and general counsel and advice. Bert retired from PBA in 2007.
Dr. Miller was active in a number of professional organizations throughout his career in education. He served the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accrediting association during his years in public K-12 education as well as during his years in collegiate education. He also served on a number of special projects, commissions, and assignments for state education agencies in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida.
Central to Bert’s life was his faith. He held many leadership positions in the churches where he lived: teacher, choir director, ordained deacon, and ordained minister. His other activities, hobbies and interests included golf, tennis, water skiing, reading, writing, and contract/duplicate bridge.
Bert’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bertrand A. Miller, Jr. preceded him in death. Bert and his wife, Dr. Geneane Kelley-Miller were married on March 8, 1969 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. He is survived by his wife, one sister, Sherry (Landon) Sawyer of Ringold, GA., four nieces, and twelve grand-nieces and nephews, and his mother-in-law Mrs. Gene Kelley.
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