Purdue Global student and father of 4 cherishes opportunities to leave a legacy for children

Eric Miller’s zeal for life, fatherhood exemplified by his health care career and dedication to his children

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Global student Eric Miller’s life experiences have molded the father of four into the man he is today.

In 1971, a young Miller declared on a television show his aspiration to become a firetruck when he grew up. While his career didn't quite take that path, it revealed his passion for serving others in the realm of health care. Miller’s journey spans four decades, encompassing ambulances, hospitals, helicopters, authorship and even the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a chief nurse.

“My career has been a blend of adrenaline and compassion,” Miller said. “From prehospital care to aeromedical evacuation, every moment has been about being there for people when they need it most.”

U.S. Air Force veteran Eric Miller and his four grown children are living life to the fullest. (Photo provided) Download image

Miller’s dedication to learning led him to pursue a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate, a testament to his belief that learning never stops. “When you stop learning, you stop living,” he said.

Despite the decades of knowledge he has already attained, Miller wanted to practice what he preached, so he looked for opportunities to keep learning — a decision that led him to Purdue Global. Choosing Purdue Global for his studies was a natural fit for this Hoosier at heart.

“Purdue’s reputation for excellence ensures that even in an online setting, the education is top notch,” Miller said.

However, Miller knows firsthand that life isn’t just about work and study. At the same time, he said it’s not as simple as just finding balance in his life. “Balance is a misnomer,” Miller laughed. “It’s about keeping forward momentum in line with your values and cherishing rewarding relationships.”

Family has always been at the core of Miller’s life. With four children, he beams with pride, especially for his daughter, who followed in his health care footsteps as a respiratory therapist and EMT. The bond with his children deepened when adversity struck more than two decades ago, as his second son battled a malignant brain tumor. His son emerged as a survivor after a successful clinical trial. “It has made us closer, stronger,” Miller said. “And it’s taught me resilience in ways I never imagined.”

Eric Miller and his daughter enjoy one of their many adventures together. His daughter has followed her father into the health care field. (Photo provided) Download image

For Miller, with all of the experience he has gained throughout his journey, Father’s Day isn't just a celebration — it’s a legacy. “It’s a reminder of what truly matters,” he said. “My greatest joy is seeing my children grow into compassionate, resilient adults, carrying forward our family’s values.”

Miller is also an author and has written five books. His latest two literary projects are a children's book series about a character, Cyrano de Bergecat, who helps children solve problems by writing them letters. The Cyrano series is written under his pen name, Eric Malsbury. Miller, who is adopted, found his birth family whose surname is Malsbury. All books are available on Amazon.

“Writing helps me express myself creatively, while continuing my passion to help others in their journey find inspiration and endurance through all of life’s adversities,” Miller said. 

As he looks to the future, Miller’s message is clear. “Live a life you can be proud of. By endurance, we conquer — fortitudine vincimus.” 

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.

Writer/Media contact: Adam Bartels, adam.bartels@purdueglobal.edu 

Source: Eric Miller