Wallace “Doc” Miller had a distinguished career practicing veterinary medicine from 1957 – 1977 in Enterprise, Alabama. In 1974, he also became a broadcaster when he gained a construction permit for an FM radio station, WKMK, a 100,000 watt powerhouse in the ‘wiregrass area’. He served as it President of the station until 2004.
Doc Miller was born in Coffee County, Alabama and graduated from Enterprise High School. He served three years in the Air Force, where he was an aircraft electrical specialist, flight engineer and held the rank of sergeant. Dr. Miller graduated form Auburn University with a B.S. degree in Agriculture in 1955 and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1957. Modestly, Doc Miller gives credit to his mother, his wife and God “for any success that I might have achieved.” His has been successful in the civic, political and business worlds with much of his business success in the broadcast industry. He was a tremendous contributor to many ABA projects and was indispensable while serving as Chairman for the ABA Montgomery Legislative Panel
As President of WKMX Radio Inc., it maintained dominate ratings in Arbitron. WKMK had the distinction of being consistently awarded more awards for news coverage by the Associated Press than any other radio or television station in the state of Alabama. In 1990 WKMX was one of the top 40 finalists out of more than
10, 000 radio stations nationally, to be singled out for the Crystal Award by National Association of Broadcasters. The Crystal is one of the highest awards that can be given to a radio station. In 1989 WKMX had the distinction of being honored with the other highest award (The Marconi Award) that is given by the National Association of Broadcasters, WKMX were one of the seven finalists.
Industry Achievements
· Alabama Broadcaster of the Year 2001
· Recipient of the Alabama Broadcasters Association’s Life-Time Achievement Award 1990
· Served as Chairman of the Legislative Committee of Alabama Television and Radio Broadcasters
· Member of the National Association of Broadcasters Liaison Committee, representing the State of Alabama Broadcasters Association in Washington.
Doc Miller was very active in Alabama politics. He was elected as a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in Atlantic City in 1964; in Chicago in 1968; and in New York in 1976. He served as Alabama State Senator for six years representing the people of Coffee, Covington, Geneva and part of Houston County. During his Senate Tenure he was a member of the Finance and Taxation Committee, Agriculture Committee, Business and Labor Committee, State Government Committee and many other important committees. He served as Chairman, State Alabama Dairy Commission for 12 years under three Governors (Gov. George Wallace, Gov. Lurleen Wallace, and Gov. Albert Brewer). He was appointed by Governor George Wallace and Governor Fob James to membership of the Southeastern Regional Education Board, which he served for a number of years while in the Senate. This is a 14 state regional educational board.
Professional and Civic Involvement and Achievements:
· Served sixteen plus years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Alabama Higher Education Loan Corporation. This is a college guaranteed student loan corporation. Previously served as its President for two terms. Resigned in 2007
· President of Enterprise Lions Club; 1962-1963
· Recipient of the Dag-Hammarskjold Peace Award, 1963. This award is one of three in the world awarded to Lions Club President for promoting World Peace.
· 1991 Auburn University Honor – One of Ten Outstanding Alumnus in the state of Alabama
· 2007 Auburn University Honor – Golden Eagle
· President, Alabama-Florida Boy Scout Council for two years. During Presidency, built a $300,000 plus Boy Scout Office near Dothan.
· Served as Executive Board Member and on various committees of the Alabama-Florida Boy Scout Council
· 1991 Recipient of the Silver Beaver Award from the Alabama –Florida Boy Scout Council; it’s the
highest national honor given for distinguished service to Boy Scout youth programs
· While practicing Veterinary Medicine was a member of the following: Southeast Veterinary Medicine Association; Alabama Veterinary Medicine Association and American Veterinary Medicine Association
· Officer on the Board of Directors of the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce
· President of the Board of Directors of the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce for two years
· Mason, Shriner, and York Rite Member of the Alcazar Temple in Montgomery
Doc Miller’s nick name in Vet School was “Big Mack” but his favorite name is “Pop” used by his 5 wonderful grandchildren. He is married to former Anne Watkins of Elba; they have two children, Dr. Michelle Miller Plagenholf of Dothan and Wallace Miller, Jr. Electrical Engineer of Enterprise. He is a member and active Deacon at First Baptist Church of Enterprise. Doc has served as a Sunday school teacher for 15 years and as on many committees as Chairman and committee member.
