Remembering Randy Miller

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Randy Miller, Saturday, December 13, 2025 due to heart failure. He was a passionate educator of health and fitness, a champion of his students’ success, and a kindhearted colleague who was always willing to give a helping hand to his peers in the School of Public Health (SPH) and Portland State University (PSU).

Randy devoted 36 years of his life to PSU; first as a graduate student, then as an educator in the Community Health program, which later became the school’s Applied Health & Fitness degree. Randy loved his field and never stopped learning and growing as a faculty member. He served on multiple school and campus committees and played important leadership roles in strength and conditioning professional organizations. He actively participated in conferences to learn the latest research in the fitness industry so that he could bring it back to the classroom to inspire and educate the future workforce.

“Randy was the pillar of the applied fitness and health degree. He designed the major. He hired instructors, scheduled them and mentored them. Randy knew his field and how best to serve his students,” says Belinda Zeidler, long time faculty colleague and dear friend.

Beyond his expertise, Randy’s main priority was always his students. He lived to see them succeed, going to great lengths to accommodate their needs and ensure they reached graduation. He took immense pride in preparing them for the realities of the job market, teaching them not just what to do, but what to expect “out there.” According to Senior Associate Dean Dawn Richardson, in a recent meeting, Randy shared with her that his goal for this work was to ensure that students graduated from the Applied Health & Fitness program with everything they needed to make a real difference in the world.

“Randy was the guy that all his students loved. He would see them in a way that no one else could, which helped them open up and connect. Even when his course subject was difficult, he would meet them wherever they were at, to make sure they learned the material and could build upon it for future growth,” says Nicole Browning, long faculty colleague and dear friend.

Even though Randy taught 9 courses every year, he showed tremendous energy and investment in the curriculum and his students. His sister, Toni Perkins, recalls the joy when he would share about how his students are growing and succeeding. She recalls that he recently spoke of this past year’s class with particular fondness. He was moved by how they formed a close-knit community through study groups and camp-outs—calling it one of the best groups he ever had the privilege to lead.

To his family, Randy was more than an educator or a coach; he was a beloved brother and uncle. Though he was the “baby” of eight siblings, his presence was larger than life. He grew up playing football and wrestling, sports that fueled his lifelong passion for fitness.

Away from the university, Randy enjoyed being in nature. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved salmon fishing, crabbing, and camping. Some of his happiest moments were spent on the water with his nephew, Nathan Perkins, who, along with the rest of the family, loved him dearly. At his recently renovated home, Randy was rarely without his faithful companion, his Golden Retriever, Harley.

Randy Miller was an advocate for his field, his students, and everyone in his community at SPH and PSU. He was a man who lived to make things better for others, and his absence leaves a large hole that will be felt throughout the lab, the classroom and in the many lives he shaped.

“Randy’s leadership of the applied health & fitness degree program was an invaluable contribution to our school, and his absence is a significant loss. He will be deeply missed by all of us in the SPH and by his friends and colleagues throughout the university,” says Dean Paul Halverson.

To honor Randy’s memory and offer comfort to his family during this difficult time, we are circulating a digital memorial card, and we invite all who knew him to share their signatures and messages of support at the following link: https://www.groupgreeting.com/sign/c325498b7aa2e3e

We extend our deepest sympathies to the Miller family, and his many students, colleagues and friends in SPH and PSU.