Bethel Park native named to VMI board
When David Miller was about to graduate from Bethel Park High School, he looked for a college that would provide structure.
“I was the first one in my father’s family to go to college. I needed somewhere where they would guide me,” he said.
He chose Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va. Nearly four decades later, he is still grateful for that choice, despite his parents’ initial discomfort.
“My mother said that after they dropped me off at school, they didn’t talk the entire way home. Finally, one of them said, ‘Why did he ever want to go there?’ ” he said.
His mother, Jane Miller, now 92 and living in Canonsburg, told her son that they didn’t like the yelling and strict military structure.
But for Mr. Miller, it was perfect. Today, he is president and chief operating officer of Community Health Systems Inc. in Franklin, Tenn., and he recently was appointed to the board of visitors of Virginia Military Institute.
“I’ve come a long way from that boy in Bethel Park,” said Mr. Miller, 66, who now lives with his wife, Helen, in Brentwood, Tenn.
With hopes of becoming a pilot after graduation, Mr. Miller was disappointed when he found out his vision would prevent him from pursuing that career. He began studying for a master’s degree in business at the University of Virginia.
It was “happenstance,” he said, that led him to a career in health care.
A friend helped him get a summer job in the business office of St. Luke’s Hospital in Richmond, Va.
While he was pursing his master’s degree, the hospital wanted to give him a full-time job, but he wanted to finish the degree.
“I said, ‘Look, man, I’m three-quarters of the way through graduate school. I can’t quit now.’ Fortunately for me, they waited and still gave me a job,” he said.
Mr. Miller has worked with several health care providers in various roles.
In addition to his education, he credits his Western Pennsylvania roots for much of his success.
“Growing up in Pittsburgh, I don’t think there are too many places with such a strong work ethic. Our work ethic is second to none,” he said.
As a member of the board of visitors of Virginia Military Institute, Mr. Miller will serve on the audit, external affairs and the appeals committees.
When he was a cadet, he served on the Honor Corps, a prestigious group
“When I was selected, it was such a humbling experience. I remember back in 1970, you had a bank of phones and I had to call my parents collect to tell them. I was so proud.”
— David Miller, on serving on the VMI Honor Corps as a cadet
made up of eight seniors and four juniors. Corps members are selected by their peers to represent the cadets at the school.
“When I was selected, it was such a humbling experience. I remember back in 1970, you had a bank of phones and I had to call my parents collect to tell them. I was so proud,” he said.
Mr. Miller will help VMI select a new superintendent for the college during his four-year term on the board, which started July 1.
“I was told by the president that one of the most important duties will be assisting with this important task. The superintendent acts in the same role as the president, so it is vital to the school that we choose someone with excellent experience,” he said.