(This is one of 20 profiles on the recipients selected by an anonymous committee out of an extensive list of nominees for the 2023 Rising Lincoln Leader Award. The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks Mayor Ronny Walker and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for their support of this award. We would like to thank Kevin Hawkins at HawkinsPhoto.com for the headshots).
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Name: Jeff Miller
Age: 38
Employer: Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana/Lincoln Parish School Board
Title: Teen Director/ Behavioral Interventionist
Hometown: BIG RUSTON
How long have you lived in Lincoln Parish: Life Long Resident
Civic-volunteer organizations: Ruston Parks & Recreation, William Brothers Basketball Program
Professional Highlights: The best highlight of my career is watching youth lives that I have had any impact on growing to be positive productive citizens in our community; The 2021 Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Young Business Leader of the Year Award; The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana State Youth of the Year Winner in 2023 Jeralyn Black; The multiple championships the kids have won as I severed as the volunteer basketball coach for Ruston Parks and Recreation; The recognition by my peers and family members for the years of service I’ve provided our illustrious
organization.
Eldontá Osborne on Jeff Miller
“Jeff represents a hope and a reminder that people still care about the community and the youth. He is a God-gifted individual who embraces his role in impacting the lives of those with whom he interacts while maintaining a humbleness that allows him to quietly make a difference. He has grown professionally to understand his impact and many times go outside his comfort zone to ensure the success of not only his efforts but those of the people in which he serves, especially the youth.”
Q&A with Jeff Miller
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
I consider Lincoln Parish the melting pot of North Louisiana. Between Grambling State University and
Louisiana Tech University we get exposure from all walks of life. Growing up in Lincoln Parish lifelong
friends turn into family members. Where the Tigers roam in Simsboro to the Aggies in Choudrant, from
the Hills of Grambling where the Panthers play and the Hornet stings in Dubach, and you can’t forget
about those Bearcats in Ruston; Lincoln parish produces some of the world’s most amazing people and
I’m proud to say I’m from Lincoln Parish.
How do you see your role in improving Lincoln Parish?
The role I play is pivotal in the advancement of Lincoln Parish. My spirited passion, winning personality,
and leadership skills naturally draws young people, thus providing the opportunity to nurture and
develop those individual’s character traits that allow them to develop into solid and productive citizens.
My heart for the youth of this community impacts the future of these young lives, their families, and our
community overall.
Who has played a pivotal role in your professional development and why?
My parents Jeff Miller, Sr. and Gloria Miller have to top the list. Growing up in a household were the
mentality is put you head down and work was prevalent that was easily the behavior that I was drawn
too. My grandmothers Lenora D. Miller and Sue Willie Cosby, they instilled the core values that I live by
today. My pastor Jerry Baldwin for giving me the uncut, uncompromised word of God to help guide my steps. Eldontá Osborne and Sabrina Love for allowing me to develop professionally in the field of youth
development.
