Assistant Professor Laura L. MillerDr. Laura Miller is in her fourth year as Assistant Professor of Sport Management Studies in the Department of Exercise Science & Sport Studies at California University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Miller received her Baccalaureate degree in Communication and Media Studies at The Pennsylvania State University-The Behrend College, where she also participated on the Women's Varsity Soccer team for 4 years. She continued her education by moving to The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) where she earned her Masters degree in Sport Management. Dr. Miller's passion for higher education and teaching drove her to continue her education at USM and earn her Doctorate degree in Human Performance & Teaching Administration with an emphasis in Sport Management.
While obtaining her Doctorate degree, Dr. Miller worked in athletic fundraising at The University of Southern Mississippi. As the coordinator of Special Events, she directed several large fundraisers including yearly celebrity golf tournaments, socials honoring distinguished athletic donors, as well as a private dinner/silent auction at the home of NFL celebrity Brett Favre. Her love for non-profit work led her to help direct one of the largest government funded summer camps for underprivileged children, the National Youth Sports Program, during the summers of 2004 and 2005.
Serving as the advisor for the Sport Management Club for the past two years, Dr. Miller enjoys the additional interaction she gets to have with the students and assisting them with their overall professional development. She coordinates yearly trips to conferences and seminars for students to network and gain as much practical experience within the industry as possible. In addition, she encourages the club to get involved in yearly service projects and charity events. This year the club is hosting a 3 vs. 3 basketball tournament on the campus of Cal U to raise money for breast cancer awareness.
Professional organization affiliates/memberships include The North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM), the Sport Marketing Association (SMA), Sport Recreation and Law Association (SRLA) and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD). Research and teaching interests include sport marketing, athletic philanthropy and health initiatives for children and athletes with disabilities.
Dr. Miller lives in South Fayette, PA with her husband Scott, 1 year old daughter Quinn and black Labrador retriever Bear. During her down time, Dr. Miller enjoys playing soccer, running and being outdoors. She just completed her first marathon this year in Pittsburgh and has plans to train for another event this upcoming spring. Her favorite sport team is none other than the Pittsburgh Steelers!