Porter Miller turned in a distinguished 31-year career in college athletes as a coach, teacher and administrator, making an impact at two separate institutions.

A graduate of Lancaster High School, his college journey actually began as a student-athlete for Otterbein in football, baseball and track and field. He was part of the “Glory Days” era in football, as the Cardinals (under Hall of Fame coach Moe Agler) held a combined 24-11-1 record during his time with the program.

Miller, who majored in education, continued impacting Otterbein after his graduation in 1965. He spent nine years as the head track and field coach and 14 years as an assistant coach for football. While serving in those roles, he earned a master’s degree from Xavier before going to work on his PhD at Ohio State.

His college path ultimately led two hours west to Earlham College in Indiana, serving as the Director of Athletics from 1985-2002. Just a few years into his tenure, Miller guided the Quakers to membership in the prestigious North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). Then, a decade later, he was instrumental in the construction of Earlham’s new Athletics and Wellness Center in 1999.

Miller served on a multitude of campus and conference committees, but also made a consistent impact throughout the industry as a whole. He was on NCAA Division III Nominating Committee, Football Championship Committee, secretary-treasurer of the Track Coaches Association, president of the Intercollegiate Officiating Association and more.

Despite his primary role being that of an administrator, Miller was always quick to supplement the coaching side when necessary. He stepped in to be the head coach of both Earlham track and field program between 1987-89, while also contributing as an assistant football coach.

Miller stayed around campus following his retirement in 2002, being named an Associate Professor Emeritus of Athletics, Wellness and Physical Education at Earlham. He also worked as an official at home XC/T&F meets, served on local community health/church committees around the Richmond area, and later found success as a real estate agent.

Miller, inducted into the Earlham Athletics HOF in 2007, always maintained involvement with his alma mater back in Westerville. He was a Trustee, served on the 50th reunion committee (for his class of 1965) and belonged to the Leather Helmet Gang, a group of Otterbein football alums.

Miller unfortunately passed away (at the age of 78) in November of 2020 due to complications from CoVID-19. He and his wife, Priscilla, were married for more than 50 years. They have three children, nine grandchildren and a great-grandson.