‘The time you spend at Mizzou is precious’: Accountancy alum reflects on life-shaping college experience

The year was 1977. J. Andrew (Andy) Miller had met a nice young woman named Denise while working at a medical library. He wanted to ask Denise out on a proper date but didn’t have the money. Dr. Ray Dockweiler, his academic advisor at the University of Missouri, helped him secure an internship with the Missouri State Auditor’s Office that permanently changed his trajectory.

Thanks to the internship, Miller could afford to take Denise out for a night on the town. They got to know each other over dinner at Harvest Moon and then took in a showing of “Annie Hall.” 

The two were truly a “Mizzou-Made Match,” with Denise earning her degree in marketing, also from Mizzou. The Millers were wed and built a life together that would eventually include three accomplished kids (including two Mizzou alumni) and six grandchildren (who they hope are also Mizzou-bound).

“She played an important and pivotal part of my career,” Miller said. “I couldn’t have done what I did without her.”

Miller also went on to complete his BSBA at Mizzou’s School of Accountancy in 1978, then launched his career at the St. Louis office of Touche Ross (now Deloitte), one of the “Big 8” accounting firms (now “Big 4”).  

In 1983, Miller accepted an offer from Arthur Young to join its tax practice in St. Louis as a tax manager on several accounts, the largest of which was St. Joe Mineral Corporation.

“I learned a great deal about the mining and natural resource industries, which started me on an ‘energy’-focused career path,” Miller said. 

He was soon promoted to partner concurrently with the merger of Arthur Young and Ernst & Whinney, making it one of the largest accounting firms in the world.  

“The timing of my promotion and the creation of Ernst & Young (EY) could not have been better for my professional career,” Miller said. “The merger allowed me to work on a much broader array of clients and with a tremendous group of professionals.”

Miller found himself working with engagement teams in the mining and natural resources sectors across the country and around the world. In 2000, he was asked to join the National Tax group in Washington, D.C. and later appointed the Energy Sector Tax leader for the Americas.  

“I used to joke about the fact that I ‘resided’ in St. Louis, but I ‘lived’ in seat 4A on the airplane,” Miller said. 

The “Energy Sector” for EY included companies in oil & gas, mining, natural resources and power & utilities.  While the tax issues in the oil and gas and mining industries are similar, the tax issues in power & utilities are different and complex due to the regulated nature of the business. Miller did significant tax work for power & utilities and provided expert witness testimony in regulatory proceedings for the utility industry.

Miller retired as a partner in 2016 but continued as a contractor through 2017. His career had taken him to every continent on the globe, other than Antarctica — which he checked off his list after retirement. Miller considers himself the luckiest man in the world.

“I had a great career doing work that I loved with the most intelligent, challenging, friendly people,” Miller said. “Of course, there were times of struggle, but they were minor in terms of the fun I had.”  

Building a brand through leadership and service

Miller credits the education he received at Mizzou as laying the foundation for a rewarding and fulfilling career. The School of Accountancy prepared him to pass all four parts of the CPA exam (on the first try, no less). It also equipped him with the knowledge and expertise to understand the financial implications of the tax planning that he was engaged in throughout his career. 

Now, Miller is proud to give back to Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business by serving on the Trulaske Dean’s Advisory Board and helping build the Trulaske brand, which he says is mutually beneficial.

“Every alumnus should give back in some way. Come back to campus, visit with students, offer to teach, mentor, be engaged in what is happening at Mizzou,” Miller said. “After all, Mizzou is part of every graduate’s brand — making Trulaske better only improves your own brand.”

Serving on the Trulaske Dean’s Advisory Board provides Miller with an opportunity to connect with other distinguished supporters of the Trulaske College of Business and to continue to learn and grow alongside them professionally. 

“I get a lot more out of the time I spend supporting Trulaske than the effort expended,” Miller said. “No doubt there is a great return on the time invested.”

Serving on the advisory board also gives Miller a behind-the-scenes look at what’s on the horizon for Trulaske.

“I am excited about the future of Trulaske and its focus on entrepreneurship, technology (data analytics, artificial intelligence, etc.), faculty excellence and developing career paths for the students,” Miller said.

Balaji Rajagopalan, Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. Dean of the Trulaske College of Business, notes the significant impact that Miller’s leadership has had on the Trulaske College of Business.

“Andy has graciously served the college, not only as a member of the advisory board, but as the chair, as well,” Rajagopalan said. “He was a leader in the energy sector, and now we are deeply grateful that he chooses to donate his time and expertise to serve as a leader in our institution. His commitment to elevating our brand is a tremendous benefit to current students, future students and Trulaske alumni around the world.”

None of it would have been possible without that first door opened by Dockweiler back in 1977. Miller’s esteemed mentor passed away recently after having served the Trulaske College of Business for more than three decades, including a 10-year stint as the director of the School of Accountancy. Miller attended the service, which was packed with people whose lives had been shaped by Dockweiler. Miller counts himself among them.

“If it hadn’t been for Ray, I might not have finished that career path,” Miller said. “He put me on that trajectory. I am eternally grateful for his help.”

Miller points to the impact Mizzou had on him, both professionally and personally, as his inspiration for continuing to give back.

“The time you spend at Mizzou is precious.” 

Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.