Kip Miller’s legacy is a love story of his—and his family’s—alma mater.

At each Anderson University commencement ceremony, President Evans Whitaker addresses the graduates as they prepare to take on the new role of Anderson University alumni.

“Your life and the life of Anderson University are forever linked,” President Whitaker says. “When you succeed, Anderson University succeeds, because we are known by the character and achievements of our alumni. When Anderson University succeeds, you succeed, because the reputation and value of your degree will appreciate by whatever advances the reputation of the University.

“I admonish you to keep the spirit of this place alive within your hearts forever. Come back often, get involved in alumni activities and volunteer capacities that will help shape the future of your alma mater and give generously as you can, as others before you have sacrificially invested their lives and their resources.”

These are words Kip Miller takes to heart.

A Journey of a Lifetime 

Kip Miller met Kim Stapleton at Anderson University. It was the beginning of two love stories: their love for each other—and their alma mater.

Kip spent the next few decades growing Eastern Industrial Supplies into an industry leader and premier distributor of pipe, valves, fittings and commercial plumbing products. (Kim and he received the Alumni Achievement Award in 2018.)

They are the proud parents of three children—all of whom (and their spouses) are Anderson University alumni. During that time, Kip and Kim committed their time, talents and treasure to benefit Anderson University.

And they have not looked back since.

“The values of the Miller family directly align with those of Anderson University. Commitment to quality, caring for people and staying true to the purpose of honoring God in all that is done—those are values that we share and attempt to live out every day. It is an honor to have our family name associated with Anderson University.”

– Kip Miller
President/CEO at Eastern Industrial Supplies, Inc.

Kip has been a fixture on campus for many years, serving in several important roles for the University. He was appointed to the Board of Trust in 2010 and again in 2016, serving for a year as its chairman. During that time, he had a front row seat to view the impact of Dr. Whitaker’s presidency on the growth and direction of Anderson University.

“From my first meeting with Dr. Whitaker, I have been drawn to his soft-spoken, results-oriented, leadership demeanor. He is welcoming and always willing to listen. Throughout my time of serving on the Board, I have seen every facet of the University grow, improve and succeed. That is very satisfying to me as an alumnus and supporter of the University,” Miller said.

“I admonish you to keep the spirit of this place alive within your hearts forever. Come back often, get involved in alumni activities and volunteer capacities that will help shape the future of your alma mater, and give generously as you can, as others before you have sacrificially invested their lives and their resources.”

– Evans P. Whitaker, Ph.D.
President & Professor of Management, Leadership & Organizations

Kip serves as a member of the AU Board of Visitors and the AU Athletics Advisory Board. Also, though Eastern Industrial Supplies, he supports the Anderson University College of Business. For many years, Eastern has sponsored a student award at the annual spring convocation and underwritten several initiatives for various student organizations.

There has been no major project on campus in the past 15 years that has not been touched by the generosity of the Millers. They made a foundational gift toward the construction of the G. Ross Anderson, Jr. Student Center; their gift— the Kip and Kim Miller Game Room—is among the most popular spaces on campus. You can find their names on one of AU’s legendary white swings, which they purchased to benefit AU faculty, staff, students and guests. They support the work of the Christian Ministry Foundation through the Miller Family Scholarship, which benefits students who enter full-time ministry after graduation.

Most recently, Kip and Kim became the legacy donors of the newly established Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina at Anderson University. The FEISC is a membership organization dedicated to education and support for family-owned businesses in South Carolina. This endeavor is meaningful to them, as they and all their children currently work together at Eastern, their family business.

And years in the future, another generation of Anderson University students will be touched by their generosity— they’ve included a provision to benefit the University with their estate. For their faithful support to Anderson University, Kip and Kim are lifetime members of the President’s Club.

As Kip has succeeded in his business endeavors and life goals, he has in turn helped ensure the success of his alma mater and the students that journey through the educational “halls” of the University.

When you succeed, Anderson University succeeds, because we are known by the character and achievements of our alumni. When Anderson University succeeds, you succeed, because the reputation and value of your degree will appreciate by whatever advances the reputation of the University.

– Evans P. Whitaker, Ph.D.
President & Professor of Management, Leadership & Organizations

Why is it important for Kip and his family to be so involved?

“The values of the Miller family directly align with those of Anderson University. Commitment to quality, caring for people and staying true to the purpose of honoring God in all that is done—those are values that we share and attempt to live out every day. It is an honor to have our family name associated with Anderson University,” Kip said.