By Jaelon Jackson and Antwan C. Williams
School of Social Work
A recent graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington’s Master of Social Work program, a cherished wife and mother of two who chose to pursue a career in social work in 2020, sadly died at the age of 52.
Sandra Kathleen Miller, affectionately known as Sandy to her friends, earned her MSW degree in 2024 and recently passed her licensing exam. Her husband of 31 years, Kevin Miller, stated that they believe she died of a heart attack on January 26 at their home in Hurst.
Sandy was widely recognized and respected by the faculty and her fellow students. While pursuing her MSW degree, she was a Graduate Student Leader, mentoring and inspiring her classmates to complete their degrees.
“I admired Sandy’s drive to help other students through her volunteer work as a student leader, where she provided mentorship and support to her peers in the School of Social Work,” said UTA Social Work Professor Dr. Diane Mitschke.
She was celebrated for her kindness, humor, and steadfast commitment to advocating for marginalized and overlooked populations. As a Social Work Graduate Student Leader, Sandy worked alongside faculty and staff to support her classmates and help them navigate their time in the program.
“I am so sorry to hear this devastating news. Sandy was an incredible person, and my life is better for having known her. She was a passionate advocate for social justice, and her genuine love and compassion for others provided inspiration to her peers and faculty alike,” wrote Mitschke in an email to Sandy’s husband.
According to Dr. Regina Praetorius, the UTA School of Social Work associate dean for student and academic affairs, Sandy completed the thesis option to obtain her MSW degree, which is more challenging yet rewarding.
Sandy merged her education and experience in the criminal justice field with her newly acquired social work knowledge to complete her thesis, “Boiling Behind Bars: Exploring the Hidden Toll of Extreme Heat on Mental Health in Texas Prisons.”
“Sandy was one of our best both as an active student and also as a student leader who went above and beyond in serving her fellow students—she helped so many!” said Praetorius.
According to the online obituary, Sandy graduated from McGregor High School in McGregor, Texas. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville and completed her MSW at UTA last year.
Outside of her studies, she loved fishing, camping, grilling, cooking, singing, playing musical instruments, conducting research, writing, and investigative work. She often joked that her interests contrasted sharply with those of her husband, making them a perfect match.
“Sandy exemplified the very best qualities of what we hope for in our students, and her legacy within the school will not be forgotten. There are many here who she touched and inspired with her presence,” said Mitschke.
Sandy was dedicated to advocacy and justice for marginalized communities. She had a goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
“Sandy was genuinely one of our shining stars. She grasped what it meant to be a social worker and dedicated everything she had to assisting others,” said Dr. Kirk Foster, dean of the UTA School of Social Work.
According to her family and the online obituary, Sandy wrote the following discussion board post in one of her MSW classes:
“I never, ever imagined going back to school at 48 to begin a new 'helping' career. In retrospect, my use of flippant humor is probably a form of denial that I will likely die in my 70s from heart disease or dementia, based on family history (Or even earlier, thanks to my love of several secondary sources of aging). However, in my 40s, I felt the overwhelming need to share my knowledge and other resources with others, particularly those younger or less advantageous than I. After all, when we die, all that is left of us is our legacy: What impact did we have on others? There will be no hospital wings or charitable foundations in my name, no string of low-cost counseling centers, and certainly no cliff-diving trophies, particularly of the “nude” variety. But I will definitely have “loved my neighbor...and had fun doing it.” One “neighbor” at a time. ;-)”
Condolences posted to the online obituary board highlight Sandy’s remarkable sense of humor, outgoing personality, and deep affection for her husband and sons.
“Sandy was right about one thing: she has built a legacy of unwavering strength and purpose by supporting others and maintaining the discipline to give her all—whether in her studies, community service, or as a devoted mother, sister, wife, and friend,” Foster said.
Sandy is survived by her husband, Kevin; two sons, William and Weston Miller; her mother-in-law, Mary Ann Wells; her brother, Richard Timm of McGregor; many close friends she considered family; and her devoted St. Bernard, Roxy.
Sandy's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 15, at 2 p.m. (Central Time) at Lucas Funeral Home, located at 1321 Precinct Line Road, Hurst, Texas.
The family requests that, instead of flowers, you honor Sandy with a donation to one of her favorite nonprofits:
Restoring Hope (restoringhopetx.org)
Presbyterian Night Shelter (journeyhome.org)
Northwood Church’s Unhoused Ministry (northwoodchurch.org/missions/)
Resources:
Students, faculty, or staff who have faced traumatic losses, such as this one, may find it helpful to talk with a counselor.
UTA Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers support for students. Crisis counselors are available for same-day appointments on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments can be made in person or through telehealth. During regular business hours, call 817-272-3671.
The MAVS Talk 24-hour crisis line is available at 817-272-TALK (8255). CAPS has offices in Ransom Hall, Room 303, and the Maverick Activity Center, Room 212.
UTA provides counseling services and support for faculty and staff through the Employee Assistance Program.