Prof. Miller Receives Honorary Doctorate

At the Academic Convocation, held during Honors Week this spring, Dr. Robert B. Sloan Jr. presented Ann Miller, professor of English and Master Teacher of Literature, with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Part of the degree citation, as read by Dr. Sloan, states, "Having now been a professor herself in the English department for over 40 years, Professor Miller continues to be pronounced 'brilliant' as she brings literature to life for and in her students. Her abilities to challenge, encourage, inspire and exhort students to reach beyond themselves are legendary."
Miller, in accepting the degree, said, "I am profoundly moved and my deepest gratitude goes to the administration for this capstone experience, which humbles me utterly. This award does not come only to me; it honors teaching itself."
Miller graduated from Baylor in 1949 and was appointed to the English department faculty in 1961. She was named a full professor in 1984 and designated a Master Teacher of Literature in 1992, one of the first two professors to attain this distinction.
The convocation also featured an address by Dr. Alden Smith, associate professor and chair of the classics program and director of the University Scholars Program. At Baylor since 1994, Dr. Smith has authored several books and articles in his areas of scholarly interest, which include Augustan poetry, Greek poetry and Hellenistic and Roman art.
Core activities of Honors Week included students' presentations of their senior honors theses.