The man behind the arena: Meet John D. Millett

As the er a of Millett Hall draws to a close, with the potential construction of the new sports arena on Cook Field, memories of the hall are represented through Millett’s iconic and versatile history. Millett first opened its doors on Dec. 2, 1968, to welcome the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team, who defeated Miami in front of 9,135 spectators, 86-77.

The arena welcomed more than just sports fans – Bill Cosby, John Mayer, 50 Cent, Barry Manilow, James Taylor and so many other iconic artists performed in its hallowed halls to bring students together over a shared love of a wide variety of music.

But those who remember the highs and lows of Millett may be tempted to forget the one person who made the arena what it came to be: the namesake himself.

Photo by The Miami Student | The Miami Student
Front page of The Miami Student from the Nov. 26, 1968 edition, detailing the opening of Millett Hall

John D. Millett, 16th president of Miami from 1953 to 1964, is most well-known for serving as the university’s president during a noteworthy period of growth. During his time as president, enrollment at the university doubled and new residence and academic halls were constructed, including Collins and Culler Halls.

Millett received his undergraduate degree from Depauw University in Indiana and his master’s and doctorate degrees from Columbia University. Prior to his arrival at Miami, Millett served in the Pentagon, taught in the graduate faculty at Columbia and served on the staff of the first Hoover Commission.

Nearly 20 years after serving as the university president, Millett returned to Miami in 1980 as a part-time professor of educational leadership and adjunct professor of political science. He died at age 81 on Nov. 14, 1993.

As the physical remembrance of Millett may be destroyed, Miami’s 16th president’s memory will live on through his contributions to the university.

patelou@miamioh.edu