A graduate of Benedict College (B.S. in Physical Education, 1974) and Indiana University (M.S. in Recreation and Parks Administration, 1975), Melvin Miller began his career climb as a Recreation Leader in the Recreation Department of Bloomington, Indiana. He later made career stops in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Houston, Texas, before coming to Birmingham in 1987, where he continues to garner praise and honors. After 13 years of service as director of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board, Melvin was named the recipient of the Jim Spain Professional of the Year Award for the year 2000, honoring outstanding service rendered to the leisure services through leadership and active involvement.

This recognition serves to highlight a career of visionary thinking on his part in the recreation and parks arena, shaping ideas and a philosophy that has resulted in the successful application of his many skills to the diverse needs of the community. As director, Melvin is responsible for managing all aspects of operation that fall under the discretion of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board. This includes the supervision of the Administrative Division, which includes 150 permanent personnel and a $12 million budget; a Recreation and Sports Division, comprised of 17 recreation centers, 17 swimming pools, and numerous organized programs for preschool, youth, adult and senior citizen patrons, which is the foundation of the system, and the 67-1/2 acre Birmingham Botanical Gardens with meeting rooms and auditorium is one of the best in the region. Additionally, he oversees stadium management of storied Legion Field, home to 1996 Olympic Soccer events and some of the most memorable games in college football history.

In addition to exhibiting an indefatigable zeal in spearheading the development of major park improvements totaling almost $40 million, Melvin also finds purpose in his service to numerous community and professional projects. He enthusiastically contributes as a member of the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association Board of Directors, Birmingham Chapter President of the National Forum of Black Public Administrators, Birmingham Alliance for Youth, the Boy Scouts of America, the Governor's Millennium Trails Committee, Birmingham-Southern College Edward Lee Norton Board of Advisors for Management and Professional Education, the Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce Goals for Birmingham Review Task Force, Recreation and Entertainment Committee, and Leadership Birmingham, to name but a few. Whether it's being recognized as a Who's Who in Government Services, being honored with a Leadership Award for Volunteer Services from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), or receiving a Preservation Award for Boswell Golf  Course restoration from the Birmingham Historical Society, his evolving spirit is evident in everything he touches.

Yet, nowhere else is Melvin's strong sense of service better exemplified than in his commitment to his family, church, and community.

Back to Membership List