Alumni Spotlight: Kylee Miller ’12
Clarke: Since your time at Clarke, you’ve gone on to build a successful career in law. Can you share some of that journey?
Kylee: After graduating Clarke as a double major in Communication and Philosophy, I attended Valparaiso University School of Law in Indiana and graduated in 2015. I have been at my current firm, Tuite Law, since January 2017. Our firm represents the injured and the disabled. Daily, I use my advocacy skills to help those injured in car accidents, injured while at work, or who have a condition that prevents them from working.
I was named a partner at Tuite Law this past spring. While celebrating, I asked Greg Tuite what it was that interested him in hiring me initially all those years ago. He said he’d looked over my resume and the very first thing that stood out was that I had been a four-year student athlete in college. He said he knew from that bit of information alone I’d have the time management skills necessary to be successful in a high-pressure, high-stakes practice.
It wasn’t just volleyball that developed that skill. Clarke let me exceed course credit limit recommendations my last two years because I wanted to be the editor of the Courier and Catalyst at the same time. Juggling those on top of regular classes on top of volleyball really does teach you to be organized with your time.
Back during my days working in the Admissions Office, I used to tell prospective students that Clarke lets you be as big as you want and as involved as you want. Having the faculty and staff believe in me the way they did set me up for success down the road.
Clarke: Congratulations on making partner! Are there other milestones we can celebrate with you?
Kylee: I’ve won a number of awards over the years but 2024 has been a banner year! Earlier this summer, I was named one of Rockford’s “20 People You Should Know” by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce for my professional and volunteer accomplishments. Additionally, I was named an “Emerging Lawyer” by the Leading Lawyers group for the last four years, an honor given to less than two percent of lawyers licensed in each state. I also I took on the role of Young Lawyer’s President for the Winnebago County Bar Association. This one was especially fun because it comes with a comically large three-foot-long gavel that’s as old as I am! In turn, I share some of my skills and experience with the Rockford Academy, a program that helps high schoolers explore law and other professions.
On the personal side of things, I bought my first house two years ago and have made it a home with my two orange tabby cats, Nemo and Oliver. In my free time, I still play volleyball and I’ve picked up golf—I hit a hole in one on Halloween 2021, and I’ve played about every Sunday since. I love to spend time with my partner, my family, and my friends from Clarke.
Clarke: Who are some of the people at Clarke who helped shape who you are today?
Kylee: That’s a list that could be its own article! Abdul Sinno was the first reason I chose Clarke. My parents and I sat down with him for a visit and his passion for journalism was infectious. Diana Russo was my advisor for the Courier and Catalyst. She guided my interests and let me write as many articles as I wanted on any topic.
Then there was the Philosophy department. Their wing was my third home on campus after my room and the gym. Norm Freund, Tom Riley, and Kent Anderson would all let students stop by and ask questions. They’d spark new ones and my friends and I would discuss any topic under the sun for hours.
Gary Arms, Ann Pelelo, and Anna Kelly in the English department bookended my Clarke years. My experiences writing in different styles and thinking critically about what I was reading was instrumental to getting through law school.
As for life outside the classroom, I remember all the game and movie nights, sledding on trays down the back hill, and much more with my friends in the residence halls. All four years I lived on the same floor and wing as my good friend Lindsey McAninch. She was also an RA. My sophomore year I learned you should never get into a prank war with your RA. She has the keys, you’ll never win!
During college, my mom made blankets for Lindsey and many of my friends. For her 60th birthday I asked for pictures of those friends with their blankets and collected over 100, many with their own children now enjoying her work. Maintaining these friendships is very important to me. Even if we can’t always get together, we still stay connected. So many of these connections made me who I am today. That’s part of the reason I have taken steps to join the alumni board – I want to make sure others have the opportunities at Clarke that I did.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Kylee! Do you know a member of the Clarke alumni community we should highlight? Submit your nominations for a future Alumni Spotlight by emailing alumnirelations@clarke.edu.
Interview edited for length and clarity.