David F. Miller

This fund was established in 1999 by William J. and Patti Alcorn, in honor of David F. Miller, to support teaching, research and programs in the David F. Miller Center for Retailing Education and Research in the Warrington College of Business.

The major objectives of the Miller Center for Retailing Education and Research are to stimulate student interest in pursuing careers in retailing, prepare students for entry level management positions, provide continuing education opportunities for individuals currently in retailing, improve communications between retailers and academics so that academics are more familiar with problems facing retailers, and so that retailers can take advantage of new perspectives and insights arising in the academic community and undertake research on retailing issues, opportunities and problems.

David F. Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1951 from the University of Florida.

In 1982, Miller served as the vice chairman of the United Way of New York. He was also director of Jim Walter Corporation, a construction company. He was named a UF Distinguished Alumnus in 1984, and in 1985, he became president and chief executive officer of JCPenney after 30 years of working for the company. Miller retired from JCPenney in 1990.

His wife, Gloria, passed away in 2007 and David passed away in 2015.