Dr. Wilbur Miller Obituary

Dr. Wilbur C. Miller, 94, passed away Sunday, April 29, 2018, at Kennybrook Village in Grimes, IA.

Wilbur was born August 26, 1923, in Des Moines, IA, to Cecil and Laura (Kesterson) Miller. He married Viretta Shaw on March 30, 1946, in Topeka, KS.

Wilbur was a proud graduate of East High School and former president of the East High Alumni Association. He served with the US Army from 1943-1946. He then moved to Denver, CO, and spent 26 years at the University of Denver. He graduated from the University of Denver in 1948 with his Bachelor of Science. In 1949 he received his Master of Arts, and in 1953 he received his Doctor of Philosophy.
Dr. Miller served at the University of Denver as a professor of Psychology from 1949-1972, as Dean of the Graduate School from 1964-1965, as Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty from 1965-1972. He also served as acting Chancellor from 1966-1967. In 1972, Dr. Miller became President of Drake University in Des Moines, IA, retiring in 1985. Under Dr. Miller, the Harmon Fine Arts Center opened in the fall of 1972 and the Olmsted Center opened in 1974. The Olin Hall of Biological Science opened in 1975 and a new Law School classroom building, Cartwright Hall, opened in 1976. The Bell Center, a new physical recreation building, was constructed in 1977. Aliber Hall, the new College of Business Administration building, opened in 1982.

He was a Fellow in the American Psychological Association, a member and past president of the Colorado Psychological Association, and a member and past president of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association.
Wilbur is survived by his son, W. Kent (Kathy) Miller of Urbandale, IA; daughter, Dr. Jill M. (Thomas Williams) Miller of Washington, DC. He was preceded in death by his wife, Viretta (Shaw) Miller; parents; and brother, Wayne Miller.

Dr. Miller was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church. His body has been cremated and private placement of the cremated remains will take place at the Plymouth Memorial Garden at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Drake University. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.

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