AAG E. Willard and Ruby S. Miller Award Grant

AAG E. Willard and Ruby S. Miller Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Association of Geographers
Amount: US $1,000
Last Updated: September 06, 2025

Summary

The AAG E. Willard and Ruby S. Miller Award honors exceptional contributions to geography by Association members, recognizing outstanding teaching or research. Established from Ruby S. Miller's estate, it offers $1,000 and a plaque annually. Nominations, including self-nominations, are open to all geography fields, emphasizing special competence in mentoring and research. The award promotes adherence to the AAG Professional Conduct Policy, ensuring integrity within the community of geography professionals.

Overview

About Ruby and Will Miller Ruby S. Skinner and E. Willard "Will" Miller were married for more than sixty years and collaborated in life and work.  When World War II broke out, they both went to work in Washington, DC. At the end of the war, they went to Pennsylvania State University where Dr. Miller started the Geography Department and Ruby became the maps librarian. Ruby established and developed the map collection, and taught classes on the use of maps until her retirement. After retirement in 1977, she and her husband co-authored more than 20 books and continued to travel in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Ruby graduated from Kittanning High School and Chatham College in Pittsburgh, attended Clarion University, and did graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh.  Will was also founder of the Pennsylvania Geographical Society and played important leadership roles in the Association of American Geographers, American Geographical Society, and the National Council for Geographic Education.  Will and Ruby Miller received countless awards and in turn were generous with their time, talent, energy, and funds to a wide range of professional and community organizations. AAG E. Willard and Ruby S. Miller Award This annual award recognizes members of the Association who have made truly outstanding contributions to the geographic field due to their special competence in teaching or research. Funding for the award comes from the estate of Ruby S. Miller. More than one award may be awarded each year. Each award includes $1,000 and a commemorative plaque.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Members from all fields of geography are eligible for the award. Nominations (including self-nominations) are welcome. Special competence in teaching or research may include cases of outstanding mentoring, informal education, basic or applied research.As with all other AAG awards, eligibility also rests on the candidate being in compliance with the AAG Professional Conduct Policy.Nominations may be rescinded, and the award may also be revoked for any candidate or awardee who is found in violation of the AAG’s Professional Conduct Policy. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.