Professor Cathleen Miller

A Special Opportunity in Honor of Dr. Cathleen Miller, Beloved UM-Flint Professor of Accounting

To honor the legacy of Dr. Cathleen Miller, cherished University of Michigan-Flint Professor of Accounting, Cathy’s sister, Mrs. Debra Nelson, is generously matching all gifts made to the Dr. Miller MSA Scholarship—dollar for dollar. Her goal is to grow the scholarship fund to provide $2,250 in annual support for School of Management students pursuing their master's in accountancy. The matching pool for this campaign is $12,500, so please make your gift soon if you would like it to be matched.

About Dr. Miller

Cathleen Miller peacefully passed away at her home on Sunday, February 2, 2025. She was born in Flint, Michigan, and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William and Virginia (Reis) Miller. Educated locally, Cathy graduated from Genesee High School in 1981. Determined to further her education, she obtained her Doctorate in Accounting from the University of Kentucky. Cathy made many strides to build her career, working at many notable universities, such as Wayne State University, Saginaw Valley State University, and University of Michigan-Flint. Her efforts would pay off as she was given the title of Associate Professor of Accounting and Department Chair at UM-Flint. She was also the faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting and finance honors society where she mentored and provided incredible opportunities to her students, such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Cathy loved to keep herself busy, in both her professional life and outside of work. Cathy was a longtime member of the Mosaic Church of the Nazarene in Mt. Morris, Michigan. She was also the church treasurer and a saxophone player on the praise team. She would also volunteer for many events at other churches as well, such as the Labor Day Car Show at Emmanuel Baptist Church and the Trunk or Treat event at Richfield Church of the Nazarene. Cathy lived a very charitable lifestyle, donating much of her time and resources to various causes. She played an instrumental role in the VITA program through the University of Michigan to assist low-income families in the Flint area with filing their taxes.

In her free time, she loved to travel and explore new places, go on many cruises and visit various all-inclusive resorts. She also maintained an active lifestyle by playing golf and being a member of the bowling league through Emmanuel Baptist Church. Cathy also was a longtime season ticket holder for the University of Michigan and loved attending games at The Big House.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister: Debra and husband, Timothy Nelson; her nephew: Sean Nelson; her niece: Lisa Nelson; her aunts and uncles: Emma and husband, William Sageman, Sharon Miller, Frank Wahla; as well as many cousins and beloved friends.

Cathy was preceded in passing by her parents; as well as many influential aunts and uncles who played an important role in her life.

*Contributions will be added to an existing endowed fund, and distributions from the Fund will be made in accordance with the University’s then existing endowment distribution policy and used and administered as provided in the documents establishing the Fund.