James D. Miller

Throughout his life, Jim Miller (BS ’66) has abided by the motto: “work hard, play hard,” something that is more than evident in his extensive career both on and off campus.

For almost 40 years, Miller worked with the Arthur Andersen accounting firm, at one point one of the world's largest multinational accounting and consulting firms, both in their Oklahoma and Portugal branches. For 15 of those years, he served as the managing partner of the Oklahoma practice. After retiring from Andersen, he worked three years as a litigation consultant to a large New York City law firm.

Much as in his professional career, Miller has applied his “work hard, play hard” approach to his support of his alma matter. Miller remains steadfast in his commitment to The University of Tulsa. In addition to serving as the former president of the TU Alumni Association, Miller is also a member of the Chapman Legacy Society, the Circle Society, and Kappa Alpha, and is a Champion Level member of the Golden Hurricane Champions Fund. He proudly boasts that he attends every home basketball game; and for his outstanding contributions to TU, Miller was named a 2002 Distinguished Alumnus.

“My experience at TU and later in the business world at Arthur Andersen taught me that, to be successful, not only did I need to work hard but I needed to work smarter,” he said. “I practiced leverage, empowering delegation, and direct honesty and feedback – among other things. Always focus on finding a better way to attack a problem, learn from others, and be willing to pass on your approach to others. Always try to lead by positive example. Genuinely follow up and care about your people and how they are doing.”

Reflecting on how he has navigated his career, he recounted what a senior partner at a New York City law firm said about him: “Jim, you are usually correct, never in doubt.” That comment is imprinted on Miller’s business card.