Miller received a bachelor's degree in education in 1960 and began a career in teaching in Fort Wayne, Ind. But her initiative and drive led her in another direction. In 1982, she and a partner founded Vera Bradley Designs, which manufactures luggage, handbags and travel accessories.

As a result of the company's success, she has been able to lead efforts to provide resources for cancer research. The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research has been a major supporter of cancer research at the IU School of Medicine. The foundation provided for the establishment of the Vera Bradley Chair in oncology.

She is a member of the IU Varsity Club and the IU Foundation board of directors, and is a participant in alumni activities in the Fort Wayne community.

In 1997, she was named both the Indiana Business Leader of the Year and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year. The IU Alumni Club of Northeast Indiana recognized her this year as its distinguished alumna.