Fox Cities News

Anthony Miller Jr., a 2013 and 2015 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (UWO), has been named a recipient of the university’s 2025 Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Miller currently serves as the Oshkosh Area School District’s first director of community engagement and equity, a position he has held since 2023. In this role, he leads staff training, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and partnerships with families and community organizations across 20 schools.

Miller first gained recognition at UWO in 2013 when he delivered the student commencement address titled “I Beat the Odds.” The speech was met with a standing ovation and continues to resonate within the university community. “The experience was second to none, and I am proud of the way I represented my family, my community and myself that day,” Miller said. “Even though I delivered that speech 12 years ago, people still compliment that moment and share how inspirational it was. Whenever someone sends me feedback about the speech, I am reminded of the transformative power of the spoken word.”

Jennifer Considine, professor of communication studies at UWO who nominated Miller for the award, commented on his professional growth: “I had the privilege of learning with Anthony while he was a student in my classes and am inspired by his career success and his dedication to supporting youth who are trying to do what he did, ‘Beat the Odds’ and earn a college degree.”

Miller credits several mentors from UWO for their influence on his development, including professors Jennifer Considine, Joseph Gemin (retired), Tony Palmeri, and Byron Adams—now executive director of UWO’s Center for Student Success and Belonging. He described Adams as someone who inspired him to support students: “I believe that every child deserves a champion, someone who has a relentless belief and unwavering faith in a student’s ability to reach their full potential,” Miller said. “Byron’s impact in my life inspired me to travel the path I am currently on. I tell people all the time that I just want to serve and give to students the same way Byron did for me.”

Before joining OASD administration, Miller spent nearly ten years at Fox Valley Technical College managing programs aimed at mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds. Rayon D. Brown, vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion at Fox Valley Technical College said: “Anthony has made a profound impact in both K-12 and post-secondary education, guiding students toward academic and career success. His work in developing youth and providing pathways to post-secondary opportunities has transformed lives.”

Earlier roles included working as an African American cultural support specialist with Appleton Area School District where he acted as liaison between schools and families; he also worked with Milwaukee Public Schools’ TEAM UP College Access Center helping prospective students navigate college applications.

Miller is also active as a speaker at events such as Oshkosh West High School’s Diversity Day; Phi Theta Kappa’s Wisconsin Spring Convention; Boys & Girls Club of the Valley; as well as headlining Black History Month assembly at Oshkosh North High School in February 2025.

In addition to educational leadership roles, Miller coached high school football teams in Milwaukee along with leading Neenah Hoops Club girls’ basketball team to win state championship in April 2025.

Sam Coleman, assistant superintendent of instruction for OASD remarked: “Anthony’s impact is both immediate and enduring. His passion for service, his commitment to empowering others and his ability to effect meaningful change make him a role model not only for students and colleagues but also for future generations.”

UWO will honor eleven alumni during Homecoming 2025 this October—including five recipients of Outstanding Young Alumni Award—for professional or civic accomplishments within fifteen years after graduation; five will receive Distinguished Alumni Award; one will receive Alumni Outstanding Service Award.

The awards celebration is scheduled for Friday Oct. 17 at Culver Family Welcome Center beginning with reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner/program starting at 6 p.m.; cost is $40 per person.

For more information about alumni relations or event details contact UWO Alumni Relations at (920) 424-3449 or alumni@uwosh.edu.