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Betting on Yourself: Christian Miller

Posted on May 09, 2024 at 14:17 PM


At the end of the Fall 2021 school year, Christian Miller found himself facing one of the most significant challenges of his college career. A sophomore and football player majoring in Business Management at Gardner Webb University, a private Christian school in Boiling Springs, NC, Miller excelled academically but felt the need for a different environment to continue his football career. Unhappy and seeking guidance, he prayed for direction. After consulting with his parents, Miller made the difficult decision to enter the transfer portal, despite holding a full-ride Division I athletic scholarship.

Amidst hearing from several schools and engaging with the coaching staff, he decided to visit Fort Valley State University. Hosted by his friend Justin Harris, who had recently transferred to FVSU, Miller immediately felt drawn to the campus and the vibrant HBCU atmosphere. Intrigued by the degree programs, particularly Agricultural Economics, he faced the reality that some of his previous coursework wouldn't transfer, delaying his graduation.

Despite the setback, the allure of the Agricultural Economics program and the cultural richness of FVSU convinced him to commit, unaware that former football coach Maurice Flowers would become head coach at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) the following week. Though offered a transfer to JCSU, his heart remained with FVSU, and he enrolled in the middle of the Spring 2022 semester, navigating a full course load to join football activities.

Transitioning mid-semester, and as a student-athlete, presented its challenges, but Miller successfully adjusted, becoming a FVSU 1890 Scholar. His decision to transfer proved fruitful, opening doors to scholarships and mentorship opportunities from the FVSU National Alumni Association. 

Miller’s football journey at FVSU ended when he suffered a major injury during the season's first scrimmage. Despite the setback, he found support from the FVSU community, especially Head Coach Shawn Gibbs, who ensured his continued involvement with the team. Although his football career ended, he embraced new opportunities, completing an internship with Land O' Lakes, Inc., Winfield United, and Sure Tech Laboratories in Indianapolis, Indiana, and securing a full-time position in the Manufacturing Management Track program with Land O' Lakes, Inc., Purina Animal Nutrition.

Christian Miller is graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics with a concentration in Agribusiness Marketing, accumulating more than 140 hours of college coursework. His journey continues as he prepares to embark on his career at Land O' Lakes, Inc. in June, with plans to pursue an MBA from the University of Minnesota in the future.

 


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