What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo?
Kimberly Miller, director of the Student Aid Office.
Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in?
My brother and I were both born in Jacksonville, Florida, while my father was stationed there during his time in the U.S. Navy, so I guess that makes me at least an honorary Floridian.
I was raised in Chilton County, Alabama, and attended Isabella High School, where my mother (UM Class of 1962) taught and retired in elementary education. My now grown children were raised in Helena, and I continue to reside in Shelby County.
If you hold any degrees, what are they in and from what schools?
I completed my Bachelor of Science in History and my Master of Education in Counseling at the University of Montevallo.
How long have you worked here?
As of August 2024, I will have worked at UM for 22 years.
Did you hold any previous positions here? If so, what are they?
I began my UM career in the alumni/foundation office where I held the positions of departmental secretary, database administrator and grants administrator. Eight years later, I moved over to student aid and held positions as senior financial aid counselor, assistant director and now director.
What brought you to Montevallo?
My oldest son, Ryan, had just completed his freshman year at UM, and I was between jobs. It made perfect sense for me and my family for me to seek employment at the University in that season of life. I applied for my first position in the alumni office and the rest is history. I am happy to report that I was able to complete my undergraduate degree as an adult returning student and earned my master’s degree while working at UM. I am forever grateful for the benefit that the tuition waiver and dependent tuition waiver gave to me and my family — you’re welcome, Ryan, Karly and Jordan!
What’s the best thing about working for Montevallo?
Montevallo truly is family, and because of this, working here makes it my home away from home. I love working in higher education and people service and yes, it’s true, I even love working in financial aid. The financial aid industry is hard, but so rewarding. Each year, the staff in the Student Aid Office works with new and returning students and families to help successfully navigate the often-complicated process of financial aid. What better way to help our students than to assist them as they map out their future sure to be improved by education?
Do you have any interesting stories about one of your favorite experiences here?
During my time in the alumni office, I was honored to meet and work with so many impressive staff members and volunteer alums that tirelessly returned to their alma mater each year for various events with a spirit of love, loyalty and service — there are too many stories from those days to pick only one.
What’s your proudest accomplishment since being at UM?
So many awesome major life events happened during my years at UM, but I am most proud of my accomplishment of moving into my current position and working alongside an awesome staff that are each so intelligent, kind and dedicated to the very important work we do to help our students.
Why do you belong at Montevallo?
As a second-generation alum, with my kids now at third generation status, we represent all four of the UM colleges. I belong at Montevallo as a proud alum, mama, staff member, co-worker and friend, and I can’t imagine belonging anywhere else.
Anything else you want to say?
Students: Don’t forget to file your 2024-2025 FAFSA, and if you need our help, feel free to drop in!
