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Carla Miller: A Passion for Reading Lands Her at One of the World’s Largest Libraries

February 24, 2023

Carla is currently the Special Assistant to the Director of Digital Services at the Library of Congress.

Carla never dreamed that her love of reading would land her at the world’s largest library, but TRIO Programs started her on the journey. Carla joined the Upward Bound Program at Murray State University in Kentucky during her sophomore year in high school. As a first-generation college student, Upward Bound helped guide her through preparing and applying for college.

While attending Murray State University as an undergraduate, Carla joined Student Support Services which continued to provide essential guidance for navigating college life. As someone who has always believed in the value of hard work, gratitude, and helping others succeed, Carla returned to the Upward Bound summer program as a drama teacher during her time in graduate school at Murray State. Some of her fondest memories are of summer session “family nights” with Upward Bound, both as a “child” and later as a “parent.”

Throughout her adult life, Carla has mentored and coached colleagues through both formal and informal means; volunteered for mentoring, literacy, community, and social service programs; and served as an informal alumni ambassador of TRIO Programs during the annual visits to members of Congress.

After graduating high school, Carla completed a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree at Murray State University. Later in life, she completed a second Master’s degree in Library and Information Science at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. After stints at the Government Publishing Office, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, and the Executive Office of the President, Carla is currently the Special Assistant to the Director of Digital Services at the Library of Congress.