GREENEVILLE – A longtime community servant and businessman who is helping position urban youth in Knoxville for success as Godly adult leaders has been elected to the Tusculum University Board of Trustees.
Sanford Miller
Sanford R. Miller Jr., director of sports ministry at Emerald Youth Foundation, also has affinity for Tusculum because he is an alumnus. He earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational management, with a concentration in human resources, in 2011 and has since served on the President’s Advisory Council.
“Sanford is an exceptional leader who shares Tusculum’s commitment to civic engagement,” said Dr. Greg Nelson, the board’s chairman. “His talent in building strong partnerships, his knowledge of the financial industry and his track record of improving the lives of children are tremendous assets. His connection to Knoxville, where we have a campus, will also provide insight how we can continue to effectively serve that market.”
Miller began his professional career in 2006 at Emerald Youth and spent two years as sports director and coordinator. He returned to the nonprofit organization in 2017, serving first as corporate partnerships officer before becoming director of sports ministry in October 2018.
That same month, Tusculum established a partnership with Emerald Youth in which the university committed significant resources to support the organization’s Calling and Career Ministry. This ministry helps high school students discern their post-graduation path.
Tusculum students work alongside Emerald Youth employees and tutor and mentor program participants. In addition, Tusculum provides workshop speakers on beneficial subjects such as the ACT and completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Between his two stints at Emerald Youth, Miller worked for banks and an insurance agency as branch manager, division leader and financial center manager. He has also volunteered with organizations such as the United Way and Junior Achievement. He was selected to the Knoxville Business Journal’s 2017 40 Under 40 class.
“Tusculum has impacted me greatly as a student and as a professional, and I am extremely grateful for my education and the importance the university placed on serving others,” Miller said. “I’m a proud alumnus and am excited to support Tusculum in new and exciting ways as we continue to grow. Our university’s future is bright, and I am excited to be part of it.”