Steve Miller, assistant vice president for human resources and father of three, says good parenting and good management have many similarities.

Steve Miller: Putting 'human' in human resources

As the son of a U.S. Air Force officer, Steve Miller, now assistant vice president for human resources, was always packing his suitcase to move wherever the Air Force needed his father. He learned how to adapt to change quickly at a young age — an ability that has proven useful in his 30-year career at UNT.

After graduating from high school in Burkburnett, Miller moved to Denton in 1967 and enrolled at North Texas. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration with a major in banking and finance. In 1972 he accepted a position with the human resources department.

Among his accomplishments at UNT, Miller has focused on establishing an automated human resources system, improving communication through the Human Resources Newsletter, establishing employee relations and training programs, and promoting and fostering high-quality service and diversity through the university's Service Advantage and diversity programs. Miller attributes these and many other accomplishments to the enthusiastic staff members in human resources and their willingness to work together.

"I like working with people — I know that sounds cliché coming from an HR person, but it's true," Miller says.

Richard Rafes, vice chancellor and general counsel and interim vice chancellor for administration for the UNT System and interim vice president for administration for UNT, has worked with Miller for about 22 years and says he has been instrumental in the overall success of the human resources department.

"Steve Miller has been an outstanding HR director," Rafes says. "Due in large part to Steve's leadership, I believe our HR department is considered to be one of the best at any university in Texas."

Miller lives in Denton with his wife, who was his high school sweetheart. They have two sons, both who attend UNT, and one daughter who is an elementary school teacher. Miller says his life outside of work has been centered on his family and the closeness he has developed with his children.

He compares raising a family with a part of management that he adheres to on the job: Parents must be flexible, have faith and trust in their children and guide them to make good choices.

"My management philosophy is that you hire competent people who have high ethical standards; who value quality service, diversity, dignity and respect for others, teamwork and use of technology; and who are willing to embrace and manage change," Miller says. "You work with them to set a direction, provide them with the resources they need to do their jobs, coach them when needed, and then get out of their way. Let them do their job by trusting them and giving them the latitude and freedom to do their job well. They'll always come through."

BY ELIZABETH DEL TORO paiswri1@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue:

• Pohl launches e-newsletter to communicate with UNT alumni, friends
• Department of Veteran Affairs chooses UNT business college to develop cyber security
• Contract review process hits new high — help needed to keep up with trend
• Interim title holders named to positions permanently
• Student development faculty, staff have new way to demonstrate UNT pride
• Campus Catalog settles into new location
• SLIS book drive to benefit library in Thailand
• Faculty Senate kicks off 2002-03 year
• Dance, theatre arts season tickets for sale through Oct. 16
• Contemporary women's issues writer to speak at UNT Oct. 9

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