NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@alpha.nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

8/24/2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES -A lack of money kept Travis Miller from attending Northwestern State University, but the Shreveport businessman has made a donation that will make it easier for students to pay for a college education. Miller has given $100,000 to the NSU Foundation to establish a scholarship at NSU.

"I've been thinking about this for 50 years. For 50 years, I have wanted a diploma from my favorite school," said Miller, the chairman and president of T.A. Miller and Tra-dor, Inc. in Shreveport. "God has been very good to me and I want to give something back to the good people of Northwestern. I want to give it to an institution that will put it to good use."

T.A. Miller, Inc. is a multi-million dollar construction company specializing in multi-family construction and rehabilitation. Tra-dor Inc. is a property management firm that manages 1,300 units of rental housing in three states.

"All of us connected with the Northwestern family are extremely appreciative of Mr. Miller and his investment in Northwestern State University," said Tony Gustwick, director of institutional advancement at NSU. "His desire to assist students through this endowed scholarship is commendable and sets an example for other friends of the university to follow."

Miller had developed a strong desire to attend Northwestern as he was growing up.

"I used to sneak into the football games when I was a kid," admitted Miller. "We would go around the back and sneak in and watch the game through the bushes."

Miller had high hopes of attending Northwestern in 1955 after graduating as the valedictorian at Robeline High School.

"I hitchhiked to Natchitoches and asked the first person I saw what to do," said Miller. "I was told to go to the administration building. I told them I wanted to go to school and had three scholarships. I needed another 119 dollars and didn't have it. It might as well have been 119 million dollars. I didn't know what help was available. I hope this will assist some other students who need the help."

Miller made his way to Houston, working in retail and finance for 10 years. He took night classes at the University of Houston for two years. Miller founded T.A. Miller, Inc. in 1973 and Tra-dor, Inc. in 1981.

Since beginning his business career, Miller has been active in civic and charitable endeavors. He was performed in several local plays. Miller is on the board of directors of Bridge House, a local non-profit charitable organization, and the Rural Rental Housing Association of Louisiana, a statewide trade organization.

Gustwick said the initial scholarships will be awarded for the fall 2002 semester.

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