Posted on Friday, October 16, 2026
This month, we caught up with Grant Miller ’07, owner of Grant Miller Photography. After graduation, Grant worked as a White House photographer and photo editor from 2007 to 2009, relocated to Dallas, Texas, in 2010 and currently works with President George W. Bush and Laura Bush as their personal photographer. He also covers events and fundraisers for the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Grant has been hired to photograph high-profile events for the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, L.B.J. Presidential Library and many presidential candidates. He also works closely with corporate clients including Capital One, Raytheon and Goodwill Industries.
Q: What’s one or two ways you think your LC experience helped prepare you for your career?
LaGrange College prepared me for my career in more ways than I probably realized at the time. I had the opportunity to be involved in different organizations on campus, travel during JanTerm to places like the Galapagos Islands and Italy, and get a well-rounded education.
I majored in Psychology and minored in Photography. Two of my photography professors, John Lawrence and Jared Ragland, encouraged me to apply for an internship at the White House. That one decision completely changed the direction of my life. I ended up getting the internship, was later hired to work in the Administration, and earned the trust of President Bush, who I have now had the privilege of working with for almost 20 years.
What really makes LaGrange special is the people. It’s a place where you can actually get to know your professors and build relationships that last long after you graduate. I still keep in touch with many of the people I met there. LC also taught me the importance of servant leadership, giving back, treating people well, and making a difference wherever you go. I would not be where I am today without the professors, faculty, and staff at LaGrange College who invested in me.
Q: What’s one memory from your time at LC that still makes you smile?
It’s hard to pick just one because most of my favorite memories from LaGrange involve the people. I made lifelong friends with classmates, fraternity brothers, professors, faculty, and staff.
Some of my favorite memories are spending time with my Delta Tau Delta fraternity brothers, stopping by the mailroom to visit Austin Cook, and, of course, getting run over by a bull during Delta Tau Delta’s Cow Patty Bingo. Sorry, Dean Buchannan and Dean Slay!
One memory that has really stuck with me, though, was a conversation I had with Austin Cook after I found out I had been accepted as a White House intern. Austin told me to go to Washington, work as hard as I could, and take advantage of every opportunity that came my way.
I took his advice. I went to D.C., worked hard, said yes to opportunities, and eventually was hired to work in the Administration. Almost 20 years later, I’m still working with President Bush and many other high-profile clients and organizations. Austin and I have remained close friends over the years and still talk regularly. That’s what I think of when I think about LaGrange—the relationships you build there can stay with you for the rest of your life.
Q: What’s one word you’d use to describe your LC experience?
Formative.
LaGrange College helped me figure out who I was and who I wanted to become. The experiences I had and the relationships I built there helped shape the direction my life eventually took.
One thing I’ve learned is that every stage of life is a steppingstone to the next one. Build relationships, treat people well, work hard, and don’t be afraid to take a chance on yourself. You never know which relationship, opportunity, or decision might open a door that changes your life.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give today’s students?
Get involved, build relationships, and take advantage of every opportunity you can.
LaGrange College is a great place to get an education, but some of the most important things I learned happened outside the classroom. Join Greek Life, SGA, a sports team, a religious organization, a club, or something else that interests you. One of the most meaningful things I did was being part of the Service Leadership Organization. Giving back to the community and helping other people taught me lessons that I still carry with me today.
I would also encourage students to reach out to LaGrange College alumni. When I was a student, I connected with several alumni who were willing to give me advice, make introductions, and help me make connections. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask someone for advice. Most people are happy to help, especially when you share that connection to LaGrange College.
And I want current LC students to know that offer extends to me as well. If I can ever give advice, make a connection, or help a LaGrange student in some way, I hope they will reach out. A lot of people helped me along the way, and I think it's important to do the same for the next generation.
LaGrange opened my eyes to a world of possibilities that I didn't even know existed. When I was a student there, I never dreamed I would work at the White House or travel the world with the President of the United States. I certainly didn't know that years later I would own a company with a network of 65 photographers and videographers around the country working with multiple presidents, major corporations, and high-profile clients.
So get involved, meet people, build relationships, work hard, step outside your comfort zone, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. You never know where one conversation, one connection, or one opportunity might lead.
Own or know of an alumni business you would like to see featured? Contact alumni@lagrange.edu.
Category: College, Service, Community
Keywords: LaGrange, alumni, alumnus, business,
