In recognition of her longstanding service to the community, Onyx magazine presented Dr. Margaret Miller with its Distinguished Citizen Award as part of the publication’s Ninth Annual Onyx Awards last month.  A member of the board of directors of both The Dr. P. Phillips Foundation and Dr. Phillips Inc., Dr. Miller was honored along with five other recipients throughout Florida for their contributions to the health and educational welfare of the people in their respective communities.

“Margaret’s dedication to serving our community embodies the spirit of Dr. Phillips Charities and carries on the legacy of the Phillips family to ‘help others help themselves’,” said Rob Mellen, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities.  “We congratulate Margaret on this prestigious award and personal honor.”

Dr. Miller’s service to the Central Florida community began in the 1950s when she taught English, music and speech pathology in Orange County Public Schools, and then later served as associate superintendent for Personnel and Office Services.  She later joined the faculty at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and progressed to assistant dean of the College of Education.

Dr. Miller was an educational consultant for five years to Project SEE for BETA, a federally funded grant program that prepares young single mothers to complete high school, prepare for college or secure a career in areas other than what they had previously felt limited to such as cosmetology and child care.  Dr. Miller coordinated workshops with successful businesswomen who had overcome diversity and also helped establish a scholarship program in conjunction with Valencia College

She continues to serve the community as an adjunct professor at UCF through her work with the Central Florida Presbytery’s Committee on Bills, Overtures and Minutes, and with the Florida Opera Theatre Foundation.  In the past, Dr. Miller has served as a member of the Fund Distribution Committee for Heart of Florida United Way and as a member of the Orlando Leadership Council.

Dr. Miller received a Bachelor of Science in music and speech, a Master of Science in speech therapy and music from Indiana State University, and a Ph.D. in exceptional child education/emotional disorders and speech pathology from the University of Florida.