Turning Heads and Turning Tables- The Story of Jake Miller, aka DJ Millz

Jake Miller on the field of Michigan Stadium documenting the emotion of The
Rock before they take center stage at the "Big House" for the "Back to the Big
House" film. 

Slippery Rock University has a very diverse student body, ranging from people of different race, from different countries, different talents and so much more. Sometimes we only see students on the surface of everything they truly have to offer, but when you dig deeper, you can discover fascinating and interesting stories.

I dug deeper into Slippery Rock University student and Director of Media Relations for University Program Board Jacob Miller. On the surface, Jacob Miller is a friendly, hard-working student just trying to make it past finals while having lunch at Weisenfluh. But when you see beyond that, you’ll notice that Jake Miller is the overtime working man, a student, a talent like none other in media design and at night—"your college's favorite DJ."

Jake Miller sets up still-photo shots for the UPB Meet & Greet at the Kid Ink/
Kalin&Myles concert at Slippery Rock University. 

Jacob Miller was born on July 3, 1994 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a teenager, Jake dreamed of being a pharmacist--that changed after he discovered another route. In the eighth grade, at age 13, Jake began “turning tables” or what most people refer to as “DJ-ing”. A combination of a passion for music and combining appealing beats gave Jake Miller another identity: DJ Millz. On February 12, 2009 Jake performed his first show at a King of Hearts dance at the Undercliff Fire Hall for North Catholic High School. After that performance, he knew it was what he wanted to pursuit as a career. Jake has now DJ-ed over 500 events ranging from small dances in the basements of churches all the way to main-stage appearances at the nation’s largest colleges. DJ Millz’ largest performance was at Ohio University on Halloween in 2011, performing for over 6,000 students. 

When Jake isn’t playing the part of DJ Millz, he is at Slippery Rock University producing some of the most impressive media material the university has ever seen. As the Director of Media Relations for Slippery Rock University Program Board, Jake has accumulated a multitude of skills in the art of media, ranging from photography, videography and graphic design. He started with UPB in June of 2014 under a paid position and has proved his worthiness from the work he has done. Whenever you see a video from a special event for students, Jacob Miller most likely produced it. He is the mind behind all the entertainment relayed to students across Slippery Rock University from University Program Board events.

(From left to right) Jake Miller, Mike Williams and Brandon Lombardo
at the "Big House" while filming their documentary on Slippery Rock's
football team "Back to the Big House". 

On December 10, 2014, Jake will be presenting a film he produced with the help of Mike Williams and Brandon Lombardo, about Slippery Rock’s football team playing at Michigan stadium (The Big House) against Mercyhurst. The film is called “Back to the Big House” and runs 55 minutes in length—all material shot by three people following the team’s every act leading up to the big day. “Back to the Big House” combines Coach Mihalik’s history as Slippery Rock’s head coach, previous appearances to Michigan stadium, and the events leading up to the game involving this year’s football team. This was not an assignment or something they were obligated to do, but was simply pursued from a vision. Jake, Mike and Brandon saw a story and decided to make it visible for all of Slippery Rock to see.

Jake Miller may be seen as the average student on the surface, but beneath it lies a student at Slippery Rock University with a vision and passion to pursuit what is important to him at an advanced level that is rare to come by. Combining his DJ-ing skills, his work for the University Program Board and his career as a student has put him on a road to success. He did not simply stop at the bare minimum, but combined his skills, work ethic and interests and turned them into something everyone can enjoy and partake in. Next time you see that flyer hanging in the hall advertising the next concert at the university, the next video posted to twitter recapping an event or are at a party and hear that music you enjoy, you’ll see the man behind it all—DJ Millz aka Jacob Miller.  

The Kid Ink/Kalin&Myles UPB flyer designed, printed and distributed by Director of Media Relations Jake Miller.

Jake Miller describes how he became a DJ and the ways in which he progresses and teaches himself how to be better at his skills.

Jake Miller describes his growing DJ-ing career and what it is like to experience performing for thousands of people.


Jake Miller explains his duties as the Director of Media Relations for UPB and how he became interested in digital media and emerging technology.

Jake Miller gives insight on the making of "Back to the Big House" and why himself, Mike Williams and Brand Lombardo decide to pursuit it.

Director of Concerts and Comedians for University Program Board Brandon Cannon describes his experiences working with Jake Miller and why he believes he is so good at what he does.