Honorary Doctorate of Business
GAIL MILLER is the owner of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Larry H. Miller Management Corporation. She and her late husband, Larry, originated their business with a Toyota dealership in 1979 and now have 65 dealerships throughout the West. The Miller organization includes the Utah Jazz, the Salt Lake City Stars, the Salt Lake Bees, Megaplex theatre complexes, and a variety of other automotive, financial, and real estate companies. Today, the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies employs more than 10,000 people.
Gail and Larry created a strong legacy of giving back to the communities in which they do business. She presides over the Larry H. Miller Education Foundation and the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, which support a wide range of charitable, educational, and humanitarian causes.
She is a champion of education and believes in its power to elevate lives. In her childhood, Miller experienced extreme poverty but said the challenges cultivated creativity and resiliency, and gave her confidence. She encourages others to use their strengths to realize their dreams, to learn all they can, and to share that knowledge with others. In 2018, Miller published the book “Courage to Be You: Inspiring Lessons from an Unexpected Journey.”
“Graduation is the accomplishment of a remarkable educational journey and a celebration of a tremendous achievement. It is also the beginning of a future of lifelong learning and the ability to give back,” Miller said. “It is an honor to share this milestone with Utah Valley University’s graduating class of 2020.”
Miller gives freely of her time and is actively involved in many civic and educational endeavors. She serves as the chair of Intermountain Healthcare’s Board of Trustees and as a member of the Shelter the Homeless Board and the Zions Bank Advisory Board.
Gail Miller has been recognized with many public honors, including the Salt Lake Chamber’s highest award, A Giant in Our City, and the internationally recognized ATHENA Award, as well as the Congressional Award Foundation’s prestigious Horizon Award.
Miller enjoys spending time with her husband Kim Wilson, their children, and great-grandchildren.
WHEREAS, Gail Miller is a distinguished leader in business, education, and civic advocacy in Utah and has been for her entire adult life; and
WHEREAS, she has provided strong leadership and support for youth, noted by her being awarded the Horizon Award in a ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., by the Congressional Award Foundation and its board of directors; and
WHEREAS, her conscientious efforts have resulted in numerous civic endeavors, including "Count My Vote," a bipartisan effort to push for state electoral reform, and efforts to give compassionate voice and future opportunities for Utah's homeless population; and
WHEREAS, she holds the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce's highest award, ''A Giant in Our City;" and
WHEREAS, her unceasing desire to improve and to support her employees and their families has contributed to employing more than 10,000 people; and
WHEREAS, she continues to advance many business efforts in Utah and surrounding states, providing entertainment, shared commonality of athletic support, and an increased understanding of diversity and civility;
THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Board of Trustees of Utah Valley University hereby confers upon Gail Miller the Honorary Doctorate of Business.
Realized this 19th of August, 2020, in Orem, Utah.
