Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2015
Jim Miller's bold strokes left an indelible mark on Richmond Athletics with unprecedented athletic and academic success during his 12-year tenure from 2000-2012. Miller spearheaded the move to the Atlantic 10 Conference in 2001, which resulted in 44 league titles in the A-10 and CAA Football. There were three men's basketball NCAA appearances, including the 2011 Sweet 16; four football titles capped by a national championship in 2008, plus multiple conference titles in swimming and diving, men's and women's tennis, field hockey, lacrosse and women's cross country. Head coaches hired during his tenure won 28 coach-of-the-year honors. More than 1,000 student-athletes passed through the Robins Center during his time, and they excelled in the classroom as well, with every team recording its highest annual GPA.
Every athletic venue was enhanced, including the Robins Center renovations project. Miller was instrumental in bringing Spider football to campus after 81 years off campus, with the opening of Robins Stadium in 2010. Spider Club membership and donations, as well as corporate partnerships, reached an all-time high.
During his tenure, Miller served on various NCAA and conference committees, including the NCAA FCS Football Committee, NCAA Leadership Council and acting as chairman of the Atlantic 10 Finance Committee.
Miller transitioned from Athletic Director to Special Assistant to the President in 2012, focusing on athletic alumni relations and raising funds to address athletic priorities. He held that position until his retirement in October 2014.
