Neville Miller, 24
Positive forecaster | Weather Anchor
 

Story by Ben Hogan
Video by Caroline Zilk
Photo by Ryan Gibbons

As a young kid, Neville Miller was enraptured by meteorologists' energy and smooth choreography during their daily forecasts. He admired the charisma and sharp persona of broadcasters such as Paul Goodloe of The Weather Channel and aspired to be like them.

A tornado's destructive power, winter's biting cold and fresh spring afternoons were objects of his fascination. To Miller, weather was a tangible and all-encompassing aspect of everyday life that he needed to understand.

Miller graduated from MU in 2006 with an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and went on to earn a second degree in communications.

While studying, he interned at KMIZ and learned the ins and outs of weather forecasting. In the spring of 2006, the station hired him part-time. He has kept the gig as the station's fresh-faced weather anchor since then.

In front of the camera, Miller is a natural who projects confidence, trust and approachablility. As a token of his good-natured personality, Miller shared his not-yet-tested signature sign off: "I'm Neville Miller, changing people's lives one forecast at a time."

When not changing lives, Miller is studying for a master's degree in atmospheric science at MU or running for the track and field team. Last year, he placed 11th in the 800-meter run for the USA Nationals, and he hopes to qualify in the Olympic trials next June.

Chris Jefferson, a friend and roommate, says Miller's self-motivation plays a profound role in how he approaches his work.

"If he doesn't have the natural ability to do something, he will eventually because of his work ethic," Jefferson says.

Despite his teenage dreams, Miller never predicted his early success. Smiling, he says, "It's a blessing."