A Day in the life of....

ECU is a university with a diverse campus of students, faculty and staff. Everyone contributes to the renowned reputation and Pirate pride. Alison Miller, an instructor for the School of Communication, is an incomparable member of the ECU community. Miller is a first year instructor here at ECU, an advisor for communication majors, a last semester student in the doctorate program at the University of Southern Mississippi and a single parent of two young boys.

TEC: Why did you come to ECU?

Miller: I saw many opportunities at the School of Communication and the faculty is collegial.

TEC: How did you discover ECU?

Miller: A job advertisement on www.aejmc.org, which is the Association for Education for Journalism and Mass Communication.

TEC: How did you become involved with Video Production?

Miller: I think it is a cool subject to teach because of the creative freedom for students and it is very hands on. Lectures are important but so is the experience and knowing how to do what is being taught.

TEC: Why is it important for you to have a PHD?

Miller: For me, getting my PHD is important because I can present the research and knowledge to students; without my doctorate, I would be limited in my ability to do so. It is a long process and I cannot wait for it to be over.

TEC: What is your dissertation about?

Miller: The cultural values, narratives and myths in reality television.

TEC: Wow! Why did you pick that?

Miller: I am a reality TV junky and it is a hot topic.

TEC: What is it like to be an instructor, student and single parent?

Miller: It is difficult, hard, overwhelming and all worth it. My children come first; they are the most important people in my life. Everything I do is for them. There needs to be a healthy balance and time management. The key to college and to life really, is time management.

TEC: What do you do in your spare time?

Miller: Spare time? I do not really have any spare time. I run errands in my "spare time."

TEC: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Miller: No one can predict the future. In five years, I see myself continue growing as a parent and a teacher.

Alison Miller, soon to be Dr. Alison Miller, is an admirable liaison between her students and the staff. It is difficult to be a student, a teacher and a (single) parent but somehow she is able to be all of the above and more. This educator is among the many hidden treasures on the staff here at ECU.