Paul Miller, Michigan State University’s first provost, passed away June 5 at age 98.
Miller officially became MSU’s first provost in June 1959, serving under MSU President John Hannah.
In 1955, Miller served as director of MSU Extension, and in February 1959, he became MSU’s vice president for off-campus education.
Originally from West Virginia, Miller graduated from West Virginia University and served as an officer in the Army Air Force. After his military service, he came to MSU to pursue his advanced degrees.
Miller earned his master’s in sociology and doctorate in philosophy from MSU in 1947 and 1953, respectively.
His notoriety as a sociologist was such that in 1952 Miller was selected to serve as chairman on the health needs of the nation commission by President Harry Truman.
In 1962, Miller left MSU to return to his alma mater as president. He led WVU for more than four years before taking the position of assistant secretary for education in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare in Washington, D.C.
Francena, Miller’s wife of 44 years, passed away in 2010. He also was preceded in death by his first wife Catherine Spiker Miller and his son Thomas A. Miller. He is survived by his daughter Paula Miller Nolan, son-in-law Michael F. Nolan of Montrose, Colo.; grandsons Ryan Thrush of Delta, Colo.; Evan Thrush of San Anselmo, Calif., and Christopher Nolan of San Tan Valley, Ariz.; and seven great-grandchildren.