Allen Clark Miller was born on September 17, 1940, in Coffee County Alabama, the son of Henry Clayton and Lurleen Clark Miller. After graduating from Kinston School in 1958, Allen joined the Marine Corps serving his country from 1958 until 1962. It was during this time, stationed in New Orleans, that Allen met his wife, Marlene McMillion, a young nursing student. They were married in 1961 and have three children: Clay Miller, Dr. Keith Miller (Gabriela), and Beth Cooley (Gary). They are blessed with 5 grandchildren: Allen, Trinidad, and Chase Miller; and Taylor and Brian Cooley.
Allen worked his way through college, graduating from Troy University in 1965. He earned post-graduate degrees from the University of Alabama, AUM, and Auburn. Allen’s first job in Opp was teaching government, history, and economics at Opp High School. He briefly left education to help resurrect a fledgling local garment manufacturer, but his heart remained in the classroom. So, after three years, Allen returned to his first love- education, serving at South Highlands Elementary School as Assistant Principal, and later as Principal. While serving as Principal, Allen led the effort to achieve accreditation from SACS, a first for the school.
In 1975, Allen was promoted to the central office as Curriculum Coordinator for Opp City Schools. In this position, he helped develop vocational classes at OHS and oversaw a $413,000 program to remove asbestos from OCS buildings. Allen was instrumental in securing grants to fund the technology and computer program in OCS. The tech program received national recognition, and students were invited to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to make a presentation of the OHS tech program.
Allen served as superintendent from 1988-2001. These years saw the largest ever student population for OCS. Allen was instrumental as Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent in developing a wide diversity of academic, extracurricular, and vocational programs. Advanced placement classes were added at Opp High, helping raise ACT scores; thus, more scholarships became available for graduates. His leadership in promoting technology and reducing student/teacher ratios was recognized and honored by state leaders.
Allen was a pioneer in implementing vocational programs that helped provide training for job market skills in trades and technology. Partnering with LBW, OHS students were able to take classes in drafting, cosmetology, masonry, diesel mechanics, and many other trades. As a result of grants Allen wrote, OHS was able to build and staff shops and classrooms offering programs in building construction, auto mechanics, horticulture, technology, and preschool training/childcare. For the first time, all OCS campuses were connected through computers in the classrooms, and students were even able to take foreign language courses online.
State Superintendent Dr. Wayne Teague appointed Allen to chair the teacher evaluation development commit- tee, which developed, field tested and implemented the first statewide teacher evaluation model. Whenever the state legislature was in session, Allen was always representing the interests of the OHS students and faculty. He created the Opp City Schools Foundation and Pennies for Excellence program to help fund classroom projects and to provide scholarships for OHS graduates. Upon retirement, he and Marlene founded the Allen and Marlene Miller Scholarship Fund, which to this day provides scholarships for OHS graduates. Allen himself would be quick to defer praise for these accomplishments, saying, “My teachers, staff, and aids were the ones who made it happen.” But, at the front of the line, leading the charge, must be a strong, visionary leader. That leader is Allen Miller.
Allen has served on the Mental Health Board for over 30 years, including 5 years as president. He served on the Chamber board for many years, including president (1987-1988). He served two terms as president of the Opp Rotary Club and continues to be active in community activities. As president of the local University of Alabama Alumni Association chapter, he helped initiate the Vernon St. John Scholarship for OHS graduates. He has served on the board of the Covington Schools Federal Credit Union, including 5 years as president, and the board of Sav-a-Life, teaching abstinence classes in area schools. He currently serves as chairman of the Covington County Industrial Development Board.
In retirement, Allen continues to serve our community and be an advocate for our children. Even now, at age 77, he is often seen at school sporting events supporting our athletes, cheerleaders, and The Marching Black and Gold band. He and Marlene are active members of First Baptist Church, Opp. The single word that best describes Allen’s life is “service.” Allen has a genuine love for our community. Opp and Covington County are both a much better place because of the many selfless contributions of Allen C. Miller. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.
