Scholarship fund established in Miller’s memory

Teresa Miller always made an impression. She exuded personal warmth and a professional commitment to using education and the law to advance the human condition. 

Miller, who died on Aug. 6 at the age of 59, joined the faculty at the School of Law in 1995, specializing in immigration law, criminal procedure and prisoner law. During her distinguished career at UB, she became the inaugural vice provost for inclusive excellence, where she made great strides in leading the university’s efforts to build a culture of equity, diversity and inclusivity. Her vision built the Office of Inclusive Excellence and launched forward-looking programs like the Difficult Conversations series, which continues today.

Recognizing her commitment and contributions to the field, after 26 years at UB, Miller was appointed SUNY’s senior vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and chief diversity officer, continuing the important work that was her life’s passion. Throughout the course of her career, she made an indelible mark on issues of social justice and equity, not only through her leadership, but also through her dedication to teaching and mentoring law students.

Miller’s family, friends and colleagues seek to honor her memory and tremendous contributions to our world by establishing the Professor Teresa A. Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund at UB, which will provide a full tuition scholarship to a student enrolled in the School of Law. In order to build upon Miller’s legacy, preference will be given to talented students from underrepresented minorities with a desire to champion social justice and civil rights.

The UB law school community believes an equal and fair judicial system must reflect the full range of cultures, beliefs and voices of democracy. Scholarships are the key to recruiting exceptional and driven individuals to UB — and offering them educational experiences that instill the knowledge and skills they will need to effect important change.

With a goal of $625,000, the endowed fund aims to support a future law student through all three years of law school. Those who make a contribution to the fund — in any amount — will not only change the life of a UB law student, but also provide a fitting and lasting tribute to one of the UB community’s most venerable advocates and individuals.

Make a gift online.