When Kenny Miller first arrived at Columbia College, his freshman self was quiet, nervous and unsure of his place.
Now, the History and Education major graduates as a three-time national qualifier in the discus, a resident assistant and – perhaps most importantly – a leader who found confidence and community by stepping outside his comfort zone.
“Columbia College has been truly transformative,” Miller said. “What once felt overwhelming became a community where I built meaningful relationships and created lasting memories. My journey is a testament to how uncertainty can turn into opportunity.”
Spring 2026 Commencement on Saturday, May 2, brought a “mixed bag” of emotions for Miller, who spent the past five years at Columbia College.
“It’s great to be graduating, but it’s also sad because I’m leaving a place that I love,” Miller said, minutes before earning his Bachelor of Arts in History with Secondary Social Science Education Certification. “I’ve absolutely loved my time here. I’ve made so many great friends, so many people who I hope to know for the rest of my life.”
As the final act of his collegiate career, Miller will compete at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships from May 20-22 in Asheville, North Carolina.
He has been recognized multiple times as all-conference in the American Midwest Conference and as an NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete.
“We have so many great people on this team,” Miller said. “While hitting good marks and good throws has been phenomenal, saying goodbye to the team has been really rough.”
In addition to his many academic and athletic accomplishments, the senior has become a respected campus leader, serving as a resident assistant in New Hall. He helped organize events such as a campus-wide Talent Show and a Cartoon Kickback block party.
The Columbia native was honored with the 2026 Cultivating Community Award at the Division of Student Experience’s Night of Recognition.
“We have a great opportunity as a small college to make everyone feel special,” Miller said. “We can make a one-on-one connection with you. Just making new friends and seeing relationships flourish, it has been amazing.”
In the classroom, Miller credited Distinguished Professor of History Dr. Brad Lookingbill, Professor & Chair of Humanities Dr. David Karr and Associate Professor of History Dr. Sarah Lirley for fostering his passion for history and his desire to pursue a career in education.
Miller is engaged to marry his fiancé, Marissa, in June and will move to Columbus, Ohio, where she is a graduate student. He has received support from the Grossnickle Career Services Center as he applies for jobs.
Miller expressed surprise and satisfaction in being part of the class to help Columbia College eclipse 100,000 alumni in its 175th anniversary year.
“I’m very proud to be an alum of Columbia College,” he said. “I’m proud that this school has been around for 175 years, and I’m proud that this school is going to be around for another 175 years, because more people will get to live the life that I’ve gotten to enjoy here.”
Reflecting on his journey behind Rogers Gate, Miller said his experiences on campus have taught him the value of embracing uncertainty – a skill that will translate to his next chapter.
“Through this college, I don’t want to say I was forced to flourish, but I was forced to flourish,” Miller said. “I was put in uncomfortable spots, but good uncomfortable spots where you have to grow.
“I’m just grateful and lost for words with how this amazing this school has been.”
Kenny is a wonderful example of the kind of student that CC’s continued commitment to the liberals arts can produce: he’s tuned in to the challenges his classmates have faced and is consistently helpful and empathetic; he’s developed a razor-sharp mind, strong in critical sense; he’s resourceful and responsible; and he’s got a ethical core that will serve him well. He’s going to be a superb educator.
I’m thankful for his kind words (but he did all of the work!), and even-more, grateful for having him in our classes. Students and faculty alike really benefitted from his presence.