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Description area
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History
Dr. John E. Miller was born on March 28, 1945, in Beloit, Kansas, to Channing and Mildred Miller. He received his B.A. in history from the University of Missouri, followed by an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. After completing his graduate studies, he spent one year as a visiting professor at the University of Tulsa. He grew up in multiple towns in Missouri and Illinois and served as a court reporter in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War in 1969 and 1970.
Dr. Miller taught recent American history for three decades. After a brief teaching appointment at the University of Tulsa, he joined the faculty at South Dakota State University in Brookings in 1974, where he remained until retirement. During his military service in Vietnam, he also taught classes. In retirement, he continued teaching through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
He authored, edited, and reviewed numerous books and scholarly articles, writing primarily on American history but also addressing politics, literature, creativity, and small-town life. His notable works include Looking for History on Highway 14, Small Town Dreams: Stories of Midwestern Boys Who Shaped America, three books on Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Democracy’s Troubles: Twelve Threats to the American Ideal and How We Can Overcome Them.
Beyond academia, John enjoyed golf, baseball, biking, and cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a frequent visitor of libraries and bookstores and often combined research trips with family visits and vacations. He was active in church, community, and professional organizations, serving on numerous committees. His scholarship earned several honors, including the South Dakota Board of Regents Research Award in 2000 and the Herbert Schell Governor’s Award for History in 2001.
Dr. John Edward Miller passed away suddenly at his home in Brookings, South Dakota, on May 1, 2020, at the age of 75.
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Occupation: Historians, University and college faculty members
Associated Groups: University of Missouri, University of Wisconsin, South Dakota State University