Dr. James Mill was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended Slippery Rock University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education. Dr. Mill then accepted a graduate assistantship and moved to Philadelphia to attend Temple University for his master's degree in Therapeutic Physical Education. In addition, he worked at Drexel University for two years, where he served as an assistant football coach.
It was in 1970 that he was appointed to the Health and Physical Education faculty at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. From 1970 to 1980, Dr. Mill also kept busy as defensive coordinator/assistant football coach for IUP's football team. He was also teaching a plethora of health, physical education, and sport management courses at the undergraduate level. In 1981, Dr. Mill completed his doctorate degree at the University of Pittsburgh in Higher Education/Administration/Physical Education.
From 1980 to 1983, Dr. Mill served as the associate director of IUP Athletics. Dr. Mill held the position of chairman of the HPE Department from 1983 to 2002 and provided leadership and inspiration to his faculty and students in their professional endeavors. He received many noteworthy accomplishments benefiting the department, university, and Indiana community. But, it is his professional and personal commitment to physical fitness that is most relevant.
When asked to describe his personal philosophy of physical education, Dr. Mill responded, "I am very passionate about the profession, a little too passionate! Everything we do in our profession can transform children and adult's perception of personal wellness. We are an active profession that should attract active professionals. There is no other discipline that impacts an individual's life on a daily basis. Physical activity in collaboration with medical knowledge = the potential foundation of youth."
Dr. Mill has belonged or currently belongs to the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation; Pennsylvania State Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance; National Association for Physical Education in Higher Education; Phi Epsilon Kappa; and Phi Kappa Phi.
Dr. Mill retired in July 2002 after more than 30 years of service. During his retirement, his goals are to stay active, exercise as much as he can, visit his children and grandchildren, and of course . . . improve his golf game. He was honored by the university and received professor/emeritus standing in 2002. He is still actively involved in the Department of Health and Physical Education, and we are pleased to have a fabulous fitness facility named after such a wonderful man.