Abrianna Miller stands in front of Cassel Theatre, a grassy, terraced amphitheatre. Her curly brown hair has highlights and reaches past her shoulders. She wears round tortoiseshell glasses, a black, cropped mockneck shirt with two gold necklaces.
Abrianna Miller has done a lot during her time at Doane — studying abroad in Spain, leading Doane Student Media and the New Xanadu as editor-in-chief of both publications, becoming site leader for both the fall and spring Alternative Breaks. She's enjoyed getting to exercise her leadership skills at Doane, and will continue using them while working in the mental health field.

Featured Tigers is a monthly series wherein the spotlight shines on a few students, alumni, faculty and staff from our Crete, Lincoln and Omaha campus locations. These individuals stand out in the best way — as talented and driven leaders.

View all Featured Tigers here.

Abi has also written several articles for the Office of Strategic Marketing, and if you haven't had a chance to read them, you absolutely should! Because of Abi, you can:

  • Learn about the task of digitizing Doane's archives, including more than a century's worth of the Doane Owl, in Doane's 150th Anniversary Magazine

What is your name and graduation year?
Abrianna Miller, 2023

What is your major or degree program? 
Psychology and Spanish, minor in Creative Nonfiction Writing

What do you hope to do after completing your degree?
I plan to work in the mental health field, focusing on children and family intervention.

How is Doane preparing you to reach your goals?
The psychology professors at Doane have been phenomenal. Heather Lambert and Brian Pauwels have allowed me to explore different facets of psychology to figure out what I really am passionate about. Leadership has become a large part of my time at Doane, as well. I know that I wouldn't be as developed as a leader if I hadn't had the opportunities I had at Doane.
A portrait of Abrianna Miller from the grassy steps of the Cassel Theatre amphitheater. In the background is Merrill Tower, a thin brick tower with an open staircase winding to a bell at the top. Miller wears a black mockneck shirt, two gold necklaces and round tortoiseshell glasses. Her curly brown hair is parted in the middle and she's smiling.
Who has been a major influence for you during your education at Doane? How have they helped you?
Luis Sotelo has been incredibly influential in my experience at Doane. He has shown me that being a leader isn't always easy, but finding a balance will keep you healthy and respected. There are so many other people I want to extend my appreciation to, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention Brian Pauwels and Phil Weitl. They have each allowed me to push myself beyond my limits in very different ways. I'm a more rounded person since meeting and getting to know them.

What is something you're proud of accomplishing or achieving while at Doane?
Being the Editor-in-Chief of Doane Student Media and The New Xanadu, as well as being the Alternative Breaks Site Leader are two things I am incredibly proud of. I have done amazing work that has impacted not only the Doane community but people beyond that as well. It's been an honor to hold these positions.

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
I would tell an incoming student to just relax. Things fall into place. It feels wrong to relax, but everything will work out one way or another. And somewhere along the way you will realize why things maybe didn't go exactly as planned.

What's something you like about yourself that other people may not know?
This is a hard question, but I really like how intentional I am at everything I do. You will never find me doing something if I don't think it will be beneficial to myself or others.

What is something you've really enjoyed about your time at Doane?

I have really enjoyed being able to exercise my leadership skills at Doane. I never had a chance to do so before college.