Miller, Jarvis E.

Head shot of suited businessman (Jarvis Miller) smiling against blue backdrop
Name: 
Miller, Jarvis E.
Title: 
Fmr. President of Texas A&M
Texas A&M Class: 
1950
Inducted: 
2003

Biography:

A former Texas A&M University president, a leader in agricultural research programs, and a noted international project coordinator, Jarvis E. Miller received a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics from the A&M College of Texas in 1950. 

Upon graduation from Texas A&M, Dr. Miller chose to further his education at Purdue University where he received his Masters and Ph.D. degrees in agricultural economics.  After receiving his degrees, he then fulfilled his Air Force obligation as a management analysis officer in Amarillo.  Ty Timm, for whom the Honor Registry Award is named, hired Jarvis Miller in 1955 as an Assistant Professor in the Agricultural Economics Department. The subject matter focus for his first academic appointment was livestock and meat marketing, and he developed several technical reports and papers of value to the industry.

Dr. Miller’s career focus changed to the international arena in 1961 when he joined an Agency for International Development (AID) mission to Argentina.  After four years in Argentina, the last two serving as Rural Development Officer, he was named Chief of Party in 1965 for a new AID project in the Dominican Republic.  He was recognized for his efforts in establishing education and research institutions in the Dominican Republic that are still fostering agricultural progress in cooperation with Texas A&M today.

Upon returning to campus in 1967, Dr. Miller became Assistant Director of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station (TAES), the State agency charged with advancing scientific knowledge for the benefit of agricultural industries and the people of Texas.  Again, his leadership was apparent as he was elevated to Associate Director in 1971 and was named Director of this nationally-recognized research agency in 1972.  His years as TAES director were marked with significant increases in research funding and successes in communicating research results to the public.  For the five years he was TAES Director, he served in prestigious leadership roles at the regional and national level – including chair of the Association of Southern Ag Experiment Stations, and other significant assignments at the request of USDA.    

Jarvis E. Miller became the 18th President of Texas A&M University on August 1, 1977 and served in that role for more than three years.  Upon leaving the presidency of Texas A&M in 1980, Dr. Miller continued his public service contributions as Director of the Budget and Planning Office for Governor Clements until the end of his term in 1982.  Since 1982, he has been in the private sector working in real estate development and in numerous civic organizations. 

Dr. Miller and his wife, Alma, spend time together with seven grandchildren and with numerous activities in their local church in College Station.

Click Below for Video Interview: 
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Transcript - Jarvis E. Miller Interview.pdf132.97 KB