For his exemplary record of civic and professional service, University of Southern Mississippi (USM) alumnus Warren D. Miller has been honored as the 115threcipient of the prestigious Elder Watson Diggs Award by the Grand Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. The award is named after the fraternity's most revered founder and Laurel Wreath wearer, Elder Watson Diggs.
Miller, a native of Gulfport, Miss., will be conferred as the honoree during the Grand Chapter’s meeting and awards program on July 14. The Elder Watson Diggs Award, which salutes a lifetime of service to the fraternity and community, is the second-highest award presented to a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Miller takes immense pride in his long-standing membership of the Jackson, Miss., Alumni Chapter of the Southwestern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
“The fraternity promotes ‘achievement’ as a fundamental principal, dedication to community service, training for leadership and promotes brotherhood for members of the fraternity,” said Miller. “I am grateful that my professional experience has allowed for me to serve the organization in our commitment to the many achievements of the fraternity and to serve to community for the betterment of humankind.”
Miller, who now makes his home in Madison, Miss., earned his Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from USM in 1987. His family has created an extensive legacy at the University as his wife, Tracey W. Miller, and their daughters – Chesnee and Tristen – are also USM graduates. Additionally, his mother-in-law, Jewel Tucker, served as an administrative assistant to five USM presidents.
During his time at USM, Miller served as head equipment manager for the USM football team. He served as Kappa Iota undergraduate chapter Polemarch and was inducted into the USM Greek Life Hall of Fame in 2011. Miller has since served on the Southern Miss Alumni Association’s Board of Directors (2011-15) and is a Life Member of the University’s Alumni Association.
Miller has spent the majority of his career in professional technology services and low voltage systems integration. He is the principal executive of WDM Enterprises, LLC, a federal Department of Transportation-certified company in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee.
Miller’s vast experience in coordinating services associated with natural disasters led to his appointment on the FEMA National Advisory Council, which serves as the key policy advisor to the FEMA administrator. He previously served as state president of the Mississippi Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) for seven years and was elected to the Board of Directors of the National VOAD. The national organization promotes coordination and collaboration of non-governmental groups that assist survivors in the 50 states and five U.S. territories following disaster events.
As part of his long-standing service to Kappa Alpha Psi, Miller has been the leader in setting up the on-site technology registration systems and supported the back-office operations required to run the organization’s national meetings for 20 years. He has served by appointment under five national president administrations and was chosen to serve as the Deputy Chief of Staff under the 31st Administration of the fraternity.
To learn more about the Elder Watson Diggs Award, visit: //www.umwkapsi.org/elder-watson-diggs/wiki/Elder_Watson_Diggs_Award
About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit usm.edu.
