Deb Miller

This issue of the Exchange features Deb Miller, office manager of the University Communications and Marketing (UC&M) office. Miller has been with the University for 21 years.

Q: What are you responsibilities as office manager for UC&M?
A: I manage administrative operations for the office including the coordination of the student photography team and freelancers, budget tracking tools and reports and answering a multitude of questions and inquiries.

Q: What is your best organization tip for running an office?
A: Be flexible and have patience.

Q: You are currently president and have been a very active member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Tell us about your responsibilities with the union?
A: As president of the largest union on campus, I oversee our local union with labor-related issues. We handle any concerns that our members have and, when needed, represent them to University management.  We also oversee all the business side – from budget issues to grievances.

Q: What is the importance of the union on campus?
A: The union is here to be sure that all our members are treated fairly and with respect, and that our collective bargaining agreement is followed.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: South of Lancaster in the Quarryville and Kirkwood areas.

Q: What is your favorite food to eat for breakfast?
A: Blueberry muffins from the Cove. As everyone knows Millersville’s food is the best.

Q: Last fall you won WGAL’s messiest garage contest – what was that experience like?
A: It was awesome!  There were a lot of people who made it possible… students, friends and family who voted for me every day.  It was a lot of work, since we had to clean the garage out before they could start the makeover.  Some of our students in UC&M came over and helped to move boxes. They were great.

Q:  How does your garage look now?
A: It still looks pretty good.  Yes, I have put a few things back in the garage, but it still looks good.  The garage guys put drywall on the side walls and a slat wall on the back, which holds all kind of hooks, baskets, shelves and a cabinet.

Q: How closely do you work with Millersville students?
A: My first 10 ½ years I worked in the dean’s office for the School of Science and Math and interacted with a lot of students.  I have been in UC&M for the past 10 years and although it is on the administrative side of campus, I have the chance to interact with student workers.  We have around 37 students who work in communications, marketing, graphic, sports, the photography team, the mascot team and, of course, the main office.  Students are wonderful.

Q: Is it hard when students come and go?
A: Yes.  I usually become somewhat attached and I am glad they graduate, but miss them when they leave to begin their careers. They usually keep in touch. Some of our students have said that I am a mother figure to them here at Millersville. Every year, I have a pool party for the students at my house.

Q: Why is diet Dr. Pepper your favorite drink?

A: It tastes like the real thing.  It’s one thing I have in common with my supervisor, Amy Dmitzak.

Q: How many grandchildren to you have? What is your favorite thing to do with them?
A:  I have eight grandchildren; Nicole, Rebecca, Devin, Natale, Nicholas, Savannah, Hunter and Austin and ages run from two to16 years old.  We have an in-ground pool so in the summer I love to watch them play in the pool. To see their skill improve from year to year is cool. We also put puzzles together and they teach me new games on the Wii.

Q: What kind of music do you listen to?
A: I like oldies and country the best, but listen to all kinds.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: Free Time???  There isn’t much of that when you have grandchildren living with you… there is always something to do for them or with them… not complaining …. I love it. If I can find free time I like to sit on my deck and think about how blessed I am with family and friends, etc.

Q: What future event, activity, etc. is coming up that you are most looking forward to (i.e., vacation/birthday)?
A: My husband and I are going on a cruise for the first time in October; I am excited.

Q: How long have you and your husband been married?
A: We were married 30 years on July 12.

Q: At the end of the day, what makes you smile?
A: My colleagues in Duncan Alumni House. If I’m having a bad day, there’s always someone there who can make me laugh.