Dr. Stephen Jacob Miller

Stephen J. Miller was welcomed into his heavenly home on Saturday, August 20, 2016. He was born November 18, 1940, to Jake and Jane (Stephens) Miller in Enid, Ok. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Church. After graduation from Harding High School in Oklahoma City in 1958, he attended Oklahoma State University where he also began a life-long commitment to Phi Delta Theta. On January 20, 1962, he married the love of his life, Lynne Swain. Steve completed his Bachelors and MBA degrees at OSU before earning his PhD in 1967 from UCLA.

Steve and Lynne welcomed three daughters into their family and made it back to Stillwater after teaching at Penn State University. Dr. Miller served as a professor and administrator at OSU from 1971-2007, retiring as Professor of Marketing and Director, International Business Programs. He was a pioneer in the study abroad programs and established the first college-based study abroad programs for undergraduate and graduate students at OSU in Canada, France, Japan, Mexico, and the UK. His contributions are now recognized through the annual Steve Miller Excellence in Study Abroad award given to faculty.

Steve was an innovator in technologies for distance learning introducing internet-based discussion sessions with universities in Thailand and Mexico and providing the initial course in a UAE MBA program. He was recognized through the receipt of the UCEA Excellence in Teaching Award, OSU Presidents Service Award and named a Regents Service Professor. He was also a long-time leader in the Oklahoma Governors International Team. Steve was an ardent supporter of his community. He served as a CASA volunteer to support at-risk children. He implemented various childrens programs at the Botanic Garden of OSU where he volunteered numerous hours from providing tours to tending the gardens.

Above all, Steve was a family man who taught from the heart. It is often said that the best gift a man can give his children is to love their mother. And he did. Steve and Lynne set an example of a loving relationship and a strong family of faith through all that they did. He was an active and faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church serving as an Elder and Trustee. Steve loved to play games and cards with his children and then with his grandchildren. He loved the cabin at Yost Lake because of the family time spent through the years. He was an avid OSU sports fan attending many events with family and friends. He was often seen walking his dog through the neighborhood, assuring others that all is right with the world. He was a good and faithful servant on this earth. We celebrate his life and rejoice his entry into the Kingdom of Heaven.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Jane Miller; and his brother and sister-in-law, David and Flora Miller. Steve is survived by his wife of over 54 years, Lynne Miller; beloved brother, Larry Miller; three daughters and sons-in-law: Jim and Stephanie Andrews; Terry and Heather White; Chad and Jennifer Hoecker; seven grandchildren: Eric (Chelsey) Andrews, Ellen Andrews, Caroline White, Jackson White, Julia White, Ryan Hoecker, and Emily Hoecker; one great grandchild, Lincoln Andrews; and numerous friends who loved him dearly. Arrangements have been entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24, at Zion Lutheran Church at 504 S Knoblock, Stillwater. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the OSU Foundation to either the Steve Miller Family Endowed Scholarship Fund or Friends of the Botanic Garden Fund.
Services have been entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home in Stillwater, OK.