Coach Ron Miller received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Psychology from Florida State University in 1966. He received his Master’s in Exercise Science from
Miller earned his master’s degree in Exercise Science from Eastern Kentucky University in 1967, followed by a doctorate in Exercise Science, Higher Education, Guidance, and Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1974. In 1975, he was awarded the prestigious Maître d’Armes distinction.
Coach Miller served as a coach for the U.S. Junior World Team (1981), the Senior World Championship Team (1983), and the Junior Pan American Team (1987). He directed the USFA’s National Coaches College (1985–1995) and the National Junior Elite Summer Programs (1983–1991). A USFA National Coaching Staff member since 1977, he also served on the NCAA Fencing Committee three times and was a three-time NCAA Regional Committee Chair. He was named Collegiate Coach of the Year in both 1983 and 1986.
Under his leadership, 14 of his students achieved All-American status, some multiple times. Five former UNC fencers made the U.S. National Team, and two competed in the Olympics.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Miller received numerous honors: the USFCA’s Award of Merit (2016), UNC’s “Priceless Gem” award (2017), the Jack Baker Award for Service to USA Fencing (2017), and the UNC School of Education’s Alumni Achievement Award (2017) and in 2023 was announced into the USA Fencing Hall of Fame.
In 2015, he was named ACC Women’s Fencing Coach of the Year, and in 2018, his Carolina Women’s Fencing Team won the ACC Championship. In total, his teams claimed nine ACC titles.
Coach Ron Miller retired as UNC’s Head Fencing Coach after a historic 52-year career, finishing with a record-breaking 1,603 wins