Future cybersecurity leader Ian Miller is making strides at UAH
By: Camille Gibbs
Ian Miller has overcome challenges and experienced great opportunities while earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).
“Every opportunity has its purpose,” he said. “I’ve gained real-world experience before I graduate, which has been tremendously helpful.”
Despite his success, Miller has faced obstacles. As a firstgeneration college student with little guidance, navigating college was difficult at first.
“Honestly, all my guides were from the movies. I didn’t have anyone in my family that could help me in certain situations. I didn’t know anything about student loans or college culture. It was tough.” Miller has found ways to overcome adversity. During his first year as a UAH resident assistant, his direct supervisor suddenly left. Miller was managing over 30 residents at the time.
“My residents’ housing was on the line, so I set up bi-weekly meetings with our boss’s boss and our team. We discussed what needed to be done to keep up. We came together and survived without a direct supervisor.”
At the end of the year, Miller and his team were awarded the Outstanding Teamwork Award at the Student Leadership Awards.
Outside of the classroom, Miller is involved at UAH as a College of Business (COB) ambassador, where he is a leader and role model both on and off campus. “Being an ambassador at the College of Business has helped me become a better leader. I get to be more front-facing, which is something I have struggled with, and meet new people.”
Miller is grateful for the college and his work as a COB research assistant.
“The College of Business has given me jobs that gave me foundational support and professional experience in my field. I always feel more confident at the College of Business.”
Miller is involved at UAH in other ways. He is the chief of security of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) Cybersecurity Club, where he attends workshops that cover various cybersecurity topics and competes in “Capture the Flag” competitions using different software. He is also the treasurer of the Beekeeping Club.
Miller would like to thank his parents, who have been supportive of his career goals and being the first of his family to leave his hometown Russellville, Alabama.
Miller will graduate from UAH with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in information systems with a concentration in cybersecurity in May 2025. He will graduate with a Master of Science in cybersecurity management in May 2026 through the JUMP Program.