Miller Hall, State College, Pennsylvania
historical marker
In State College, Centre County, Pennsylvania, you will find Miller Hall, a significant location marked by a historical marker. This marker is dedicated to the esteemed E. Willard Miller, whose life spanned from 1915 to 2002. Miller Hall itself, a modern student residence, was constructed in 2004. E. Willard Miller was born in Turkey City, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, on May 17, 1915. After earning degrees from Clarion, Nebraska, and Ohio State, he served in the Office of Strategic Services during World War II. Miller joined Penn State University in 1945. There, he played a pivotal role, establishing the Department of Geography and serving as its head from 1945 until 1963. His administrative career continued as Assistant Dean for Resident Instruction in 1964, and later as Associate Dean in 1972, before his retirement in 1980. Miller was a remarkably prolific scholar. Over his career, he authored approximately 90 scholarly articles, 45 books, and, with his wife Ruby, 40 reference bibliographies. He also helped create the Association of American Geographers and founded the Pennsylvania Geographical Society. His contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Ray Hughes Whitbeck Award in 1950, and awards from the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce and the Governor's Office in 1975. Even after official retirement, he continued writing and teaching until 2000, passing away in State College in 2002. This historical marker at Miller Hall commemorates E. Willard Miller's profound and lasting impact on Penn State University and the broader field of geography. The specific year this historical marker was erected is not available.