By Staff
THEATER WORK Michael Miller works on the billboard at the Roxey Theatre in Newton. A native Newton Countian, Miller wears many different hats in the community. Photo by Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
Dec. 30, 2001
NEWTON When Michael Miller decided to enter the nursing field 10 years ago, little did he know he would end up working and living in the same area where he grew up.
Today, Miller is probably one of the busiest people in Newton County. In addition to his job as program director for the geriatrics unit at Newton Regional Hospital, he is heavily involved in the Newton Theater Co. He also helps with the Newton County Relay For Life, and was elected alderman on the Decatur town board during the last municipal election. Along with that, he and his wife Kelly are expecting their third child in June.
Career decision
After graduating from Newton High School in 1986, he attended East Central Community College and graduated from the University of West Alabama in 1993 with a degree in nursing.
He met his wife-to-be while attending a summer class at Jones Junior College. He went on to West Alabama and began his nursing career at Riley Hospital in Meridian.
Miller said that nursing home staff members become family to their clients.
He worked two years at the nursing home and then went to work at the hospital six years ago.
Favorite hobby
Miller loves the arts and theater. He first appeared on stage during a production of "Hello Dolly" while he was a student at East Central.
He became involved with the local theater company when it was formed in 1990.
He became artistic director for the Newton Theater Co. in June, and was involved with the production of "Annie," which ran last fall. Before that, he was the youth theater director and helped establish the program in 1998.
Other activities
Miller has helped with the hospital's Relay for Life team for the past four years. This year, he also served as the entertainment committee chairman for Relay for Life.
Getting involved in Decatur's town government was a new experience, he added.
His job at the hospital keeps him busy. The geriatrics unit has 12 beds and helps clients get their medicines regulated. They also help families to get their loved ones into a nursing home.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3217, or e-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.