In Loving Memory

On Sunday, May 5, Adrianne Miles, beloved professor of English and linguistics at Southeastern Seminary and The College at Southeastern, went home to be with her victorious King Jesus. For more than three years, Adrianne fought a difficult, faith-filled battle with cancer until the Lord, in his sovereign timing, granted her eternal healing in his presence.

In the Southeastern community, Adrianne will be remembered not only for her testimony of joy and honest faith in suffering but also for her longtime investment in students, her quick smile and caring heart, and her passion for connecting literature to the Great Commission.

Drawn to the Classroom

Since high school, Adrianne had hoped to one day teach English and share her love of literature with students. During college at North Carolina State University, she taught in a local high school where she quickly learned that she wanted to teach college students. After graduating with a bachelor’s in English, she continued at NC State with her master’s in English with a concentration in linguistics, graduating in 1995.

When Adrianne discovered that her folksy dialect from Graham, North Carolina, followed accepted linguistic rules, she developed an interest in linguistics as well as American Sign Language, which she pursued in her PhD studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Even though God had given her a passion for English and linguistics, Adrianne thought it was unlikely she would ever be able to teach both subjects at a college level.

“One of my professors during my master’s work told me that I had to choose between literature and linguistics,” recounted Adrianne. “She said I’d never be able to do both. Little did she or I know that God would have a place for me to teach both at Southeastern.”

Gifted for Ministry

Long before Adrianne found her niche as a professor of literature and linguistics at Southeastern Seminary and The College at Southeastern, God had first drawn her to himself and, in her years after college, given her a heart for leveraging her gifts to serve him and disciple others.

“I gave my life to Christ as a child but functionally took it back in late high school and early college,” recalled Adrianne “However, God never let go of me. As a young adult, I wasn’t mature enough in my faith to sense any kind of calling, but looking back, I can see that God was preparing me to teach college students.”

Looking back, I can see that God was preparing me to teach college students.

When she, her husband Scott, and their oldest son Zac moved to Wake Forest, Adrianne stayed at home with the baby, thinking that her days in academia were behind her. However, God gave Adrianne a vision for using her gifts and academic training for ministry. She began volunteering, along with a few other church members, to interpret for a Deaf woman at North Wake Church. Adrianne and this group of interpreters had a heart for the Deaf community and started meetups to build relationships and share the gospel with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing.

As Zac got older and his brother Jake was born, Adrianne began volunteering in North Wake’s Mother of Preschoolers (MOPS) program, an outreach ministry for mothers of young children. Having experienced the love and kindness of Jesus, Adrianne was drawn to serving others with compassion and care.

It was at one of these MOPS gatherings that Adrianne was first introduced to the prospect of teaching at Southeastern. Elbow deep in dirty dish water, Adrianne learned from one of the parents that Southeastern was starting a Bible translation program and was looking for someone to teach linguistics classes. In 2010, Adrianne started as an adjunct professor, teaching phonetics, phonology, and semantics to seminary students.

Teaching as Discipleship

As programs changed and The College at Southeastern grew, Adrianne transitioned to undergraduate courses in English composition and communication. As her sons reached middle school, Adrianne joined the faculty in 2014, teaching a variety of English courses and — in God’s kindness — courses on linguistics too.

“It was God’s perfect timing,” Adrianne recalled. “I was thrilled to be offered the job. I knew from the start that I wanted to be more than a lecturer to my students. I wanted to connect with them, encourage them, and even hang out with them. I wanted to help them understand that they didn’t have to have everything figured out at age 20 but that God had it all figured out, and they could trust his leading.”

Beloved by students, Adrianne supervised The College’s Performing Arts Club, served as a faculty supervisor for The College’s Schaeffer House, and invested in the next generation of Chrisitan women through the Society for Women in Scholarship. In each of these roles, she helped students walk with Jesus, serve others with joy, fall in love with literature and linguistics, and connect what they were learning in her classes to the Great Commission.

“I see all of these avenues as a means to serve the Church and fulfill the Great Commission as they put me in a position to encourage others to grow in their walk with the Lord,” noted Adrianne. “I think I’ve been a better teacher because I’ve worked to make each of my classrooms a Great Commission classroom.”

I think I’ve been a better teacher because I’ve worked to make each of my classrooms a Great Commission classroom.

Suffering But Not Silent

Over the next six years, Adrianne watched God flourish her ministry at church, at home, and on campus. It was in this season of blessing that Adrianne first experienced stomach issues that warned of unseen problems. After a year of wondering what was going on, Adrianne visited the doctor, and on April 13, 2021, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

“When the doctor told Scott and me, we were both very quiet,” Adrianne replayed the moment in her mind. “We were stunned. I was surprised, but I wasn’t afraid. I wanted to know what to do to get rid of it. When he said surgery, I wanted it immediately. But that was not to be the case.”

Though at first the doctors thought surgery would be a viable option, later scans showed that the cancer had infected nearby lymph nodes. Adrianne began chemotherapy followed by oral chemo and radiation. However, the cancer continued to metastasize, turning what she had hoped would be a short season of treatment into three years of mixed results — small victories often followed by crushing defeats.

“I thought all of this would have been behind me by now, but it is not,” she reflected, a couple of years into her treatment. “Instead, I have learned to live with cancer and thank God for the life that he gives me every day. I am grateful for when I feel good, and I work hard to take every thought captive to the glory of Christ. I don’t want to miss the grace all around me because I’m too hung up on the fact that I may never be cancer free. I know experientially that God holds all of my days in his hands. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is good, and he loves me with unfailing love.”

I don’t want to miss the grace all around me because I’m too hung up on the fact that I may never be cancer free.

In her journey of praying, surrendering, and wrestling with God, Adrianne developed a love for the Psalms — not only for their expressions of lament but also for their constant reminder that God’s love never fails. She would often remind herself of Jesus’ lament in the garden of Gethsemane and marvel at his willingness to suffer unspeakably and sacrificially for those who hated him.

For Adrianne, the most difficult part of her suffering was seeing its impact on those she loved.

“The hardest parts of this battle have been thoughts about my children and my husband,” Adrianne shared. “Will I see my boys get married or have children of their own? Will I grow old with my husband? Will we buy the retirement house that we have dreamed of for so many years? I want to be a regular mom to Zac and Jake, not a cancer patient, but I’ve realized that God can and will use their experiences of having a mom with cancer to draw them closer to him. What mom could ask more than that?”

Honest about her own struggle and vocal about her growing faith and hope in Jesus, Adrianne continued teaching as her health and treatment scheduled allowed. Determined to share what Jesus was teaching her in her journey, Adrianne was eager not to waste her suffering and to find ways to continue serving and investing in her students.

That is when Adrianne decided to start a Facebook page to post about her journey and share what God was teaching her along the way. What began as an easier way of sharing mass-updates with friends and family turned into a ministry and a testimony of honest faith.

“Two things motivated me to share my journey,” recalled Adrianne. “Selfishly, I wanted as many people praying for me as possible because I know that God answers the prayers of his people. I also believe that God allows bad things in our lives for a reason and that he uses everything, but especially hard things, to draw people to him.”

“I didn’t want my suffering to be silent,” she continued. “I wanted it to point people to Jesus — the God who hears, the God of all comfort, the God who heals, the God of unfailing love. I have tried to be completely honest in my posts. Christians suffer. They suffered in the Bible, and they suffer today. If you don’t know my suffering, you can’t understand how God has intervened to help me. I want my journey to encourage others to taste and see that God is good even when situations are bad; his mercies never fail.”

I didn’t want my suffering to be silent. I wanted it to point people to Jesus.

Wanting to point others to Jesus, Adrianne often remarked that the people she hoped to encourage were the very ones who encouraged her. Her North Wake family loved on her and her family with daily care, modeling the tender heart of Jesus. Dear students and friends on staff and on the faculty of Southeastern also supported her with visits, meals, sick time donations, and prayer. As she purposed to bless others; her local and global Christian family blessed her in return.

Going Home Trusting God

As her cancer journey progressed, Adrianne was humbled and thankful that God blessed her with seasons of strength to see her son Jake graduate; to travel with her family; to celebrate her niece’s wedding; and to enjoy everyday moments of God’s faithfulness and the love of family, friends, church members, students, and fellow faculty. For Adrianne, these moments were reminders of God’s goodness in her life.

“God’s timing is not my timing, but his goodness is always there,” she shared. “I just have to stop spinning my wheels long enough to see it. I think I’ve learned experientially to be still and know God and trust him.”

God’s timing is not my timing, but his goodness is always there.

Despite seasons of strength and occasional reprieves after successful treatments, Adrianne’s cancer continued to grow more aggressive, and in March of this year, she made the heart-rending decision to stop teaching, having devoted herself to teaching at Southeastern for 14 years. Within months, her body continued to decline until on Sunday, May 5, the Lord called her home with him — healed and filled with eternal joy.

The Southeastern family mourns the passing of Adrianne Miles and remembers her legacy with great joy and gratitude, knowing that she has finished her race well and has left an eternal Great Commission impact. In honor of Adrianne, Southeastern and the Miles family ask that gifts in her honor be given to her beloved Society for Women in Scholarship.

• “Few professors have been as beloved by faculty and students alike as Adrianne Miles. She was a constant source of blessing, encouragement, and wisdom. Every time I saw her my heart was lifted and my spirit nourished. She excelled in the classroom and was a wonderful churchwoman and a precious sister in Christ. She is now with the Savior she so adored, served, and worshipped. I am consoled in her passing that she has passed into the presence of King Jesus. Well done, AD!”

– Dr. Danny Akin, President

• “Dr. Miles embodied the best of who we are and was a treasured member of our Southeastern family. Her joyful spirit, sincere love, and her tireless devotion reflected the heart of her Savior who she served so faithfully.”

     – Dr. Scott Pace, Provost

• “Dr. Miles was a wonderful blessing to The College and an example of the gracious and truthful character we pray our students will imitate. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend Dr. Miles‘ last on-campus lecture. It was clear how much she loved her students and how they loved her equally so. The same can be said for the entire Southeastern community. She will be deeply missed.”

– Dr. Seth Bible, Dean of The College at Southeastern

• Adrianne, or Adi to us as family, was wonderful from day one. Her smile brightened family gatherings and her laugh was as melodious as it was infectious. Her patience and quiet demeanor set her apart as a child, but her strength, resolve and endurance set her apart as an adult. There is a wide space in our hearts since she left for heaven. The days will be long as we wait for the ultimate PiRFEC reunion (she planned most of our summer beach reunion trips) but we will live as she would encourage us to- serving Jesus with joy and extending grace to all. All of us cousins in the Indiana and Michigan states will miss her as an important connecting link to our North Carolina loves. We were of the most blessed to have known her as both earthly and eternal family.

– Submitted by Sonya for everyone- Aunt Cobina, Sonya/Jim, Joe/Stacy, Justin and family, Leah, Claire and family, Abby/Peyton, Anna/Cameron, Holly & Cole

• In my time at Southeastern, Dr. Miles was formative to my experience of Christ in my peers and helped me to see the bridge between things that might be seen as ordinary to others. As my academic advisor, she played a pivotal role in helping me approach my degree with the certainty that I was walking in line with the call of God on my life. This is difficult news, but I too am encouraged by her being in the immediate presence of Jesus right now. Glory to God for her life

– Steven DeYoung

• I’m so thankful for the past twenty plus years of friendship with AD—a dear, sweet, intelligent friend full of kindness and wisdom but also fun and silly enough to be in a group we called “Mouse Club” because we were such big Disney fanatics! Our friendship began as young moms with little boys and grew in these last few years as co-workers at SEBTS with sons in college at NC State. AD was unpretentious and authentic, a great encourager, and the kind of friend anyone is blessed to have—a friend for whom I will forever be thankful and who will be dearly missed!

– Alison Lawson

• Dr. Miles was a foundational pillar to my experience and success at Southeastern. I was among the first class of English majors and because of that, was immensely blessed to spend countless hours learning from her, both in and outside of the classroom. The joy-filled memories I have of her are too many to list but some of my favorite include the first time I ever met with her in her office and immediately felt comforted by her Wizard of Oz figurines, which ignited an immediate conversation about our mutual love for the film. I remember her every time I hear someone pronounce the “t” in “often” because she always had the most interesting anecdotes in her linguistics class about how certain words change over time and how we would test pronunciations on one another. I remember how she would show up to our performing arts rehearsals with the most random and silly items she had found around her home to offer them up as props and costume pieces, and often they were just the pieces we needed. I remember the smile on her face when I recited two Shakespearean monologues in an audition and how we would nerd out over different modern movies that are inspired by his plays. No matter the nature of my time with her, I never left her presence without having been encouraged. I’m thankful for these precious memories and even more so for the faith that she modeled until her last day. I am encouraged to know she was welcomed by our Savior, “well done, good and faithful servant.”

– Courtney Thompson

• Adrianne and my daughter grew up together and her Mom Ramona is my sister-in-law’s sister so we have known her all her life. What I loved is that a group of her high school friends stayed close all these years, sharing love, thoughts and prayers for each other. Adrianne left this world a better place

– Carol Fogleman

• Dr. Miles felt like my mom away from home when I was a student in college. When moving from DE to NC for school, it was a very big adjustment. I knew I found a good home in the English department as Dr. Miles and the other professors were such big encouragers. Always challenging me to get to the next level, but never overwhelming, Dr. Miles helped me become a better student and person. I can say the way she did this was by example. She was brilliant academically but always had a personal humility to her that reminded me that school was made for man, man was not made for school. When thinking about was to enrich student life, I knew that the Performing Arts Club would entertain people but also push people to see how beauty is an attribute of God. When Rebekah and I founded the club, there was one person who we knew would be perfect as our academic advisor— Dr. Miles. I will never forget how resourceful she was and how many random props she had in her own home. We had come to find out that she was a Halloween enthusiast and was able to help with all kinds of prop and costume needs. These fun quirks made us love her all the more as the cool mom of PAC. Every night we performed, she was there cheering us on. She would advertise and tell people she knew to come to the show. We were stunned to say the least that a brilliant college professor would take the time to hang out with college students like she did. This reminds me of Jesus. Jesus led a life with humility and gave value to them by spending time with them.

– George Trudeau

• AD will be remembered by so many as a strong, kind and loving woman. Her faith is a testament to her true love for God and she touched so many lives with her love and kindness. I am so glad she came into our lives. My heart hurts for her precious family but knowing she is free from pain and with her Father offers comfort.

– Tom and Brenda Earley

• My name is Kristie Washington and I recently became a student at SEBTS to pursue a MA in Ministry to Women with Biblical Counseling. I went back to school at 50 years old and actually, Dr. Miles and I are the same age. I came to the Cultivate Conference in March from my home in KY and went to Dr. Miles’ breakout session, “Leading in Hope”. I had never met her or heard of her actually. It was the most impactful session for me of the entire conference. I took the opportunity to speak with her afterwards and let her know how grateful I was that she chose to share and to encourage me for the circumstances I continue to walk through. She helped me to see that even if our circumstances aren’t where we want them to be, we can still move forward in being obedient to what God has called us to and by doing so, encourage others and lead from the place of hope we have in Jesus. She said she wasn’t sure about leading this breakout and how much of her struggle to share, but she was obedient. Her obedience impacted a life….mine. I needed that encouragement to keep going. I will forever be grateful that I got the opportunity to meet her, listen to a little of her story and hear her “yes”.

-Kristie Washington

• I was a student in Dr. Miles’ Writing and Publishing class during the spring semester of 2021, the semester she was diagnosed. I am also a member of the Society for Women in Scholarship after being encouraged by her to join. I will forever be grateful that Dr. Miles took a chance and opened up the class to me and a few other distance learning students. She was an incredible professor, and she encouraged me greatly to hone and pursue my writing. During the semester, Dr. Miles exemplified to me what it means to suffer with joy and be content no matter the circumstances. I am praying for her husband and sons as they mourn the loss of a wonderful wife and mother. There is great comfort in knowing that she is worshiping around the throne of her Savior and Lord and we will one day join her there.

-LeAnne Jenkins

• I audited Dr. Miles’ Introduction to Linguistics and History of the English Language courses in high school without really knowing what linguistics was beforehand. Looking back now as I’m finishing my undergraduate degree in linguistics and about to start my master’s in linguistics, I can see that Dr. Miles changed the trajectory of my life. She was a great professor and showed me not only how fascinating linguistics is, but how the workings of human language reflect the imago Dei and glorify the Lord. Her kindness and her great teaching made me feel welcome in the classes and fueled my interest in linguistics. I’m looking forward to seeing her again one day in Heaven.

-Emma Wrenn

• Dr. Miles was a precious blessing to my family. She first taught my sister 12 years ago, then me a couple years later, and then my wife a few years after that. She had a way of making students feel seen and cared for even while encouraging them to learn and give their best. At least that’s how she made me feel in the five courses I took with her. I wish I could have had her for more! Her passion for linguistics and a good story were contagious. Her teaching nurtured my love of literature, and her personal encouragement kept me writing short stories and making gospel connections in literature. She also graciously gave me opportunities to grade for her classes and to learn from her experience, patiently answering questions and offering advice. I count it a great honor to have worked with her. She modeled a love for teaching and a care for students that inspired me to help students toward deeper learning and toward growth in Christ. When I got married, I still remember Dr. Miles’ practical marriage advice: Every time you pick up your hamper to do laundry, pray for your wife. Regular prayer is life-giving in marriage. Not only was she right but also she was nudging me toward Christ in her caring down-to-earth way — as she often did when we would talk. Dr. Miles modeled what joy and genuine, unhurried care for others looks like, and she did so in humble, everyday ways. It is my prayer that I would imitate Dr. Miles, because over the last 10 years, she has pointed me to Jesus as she imitated him. Heaven has certainly grown sweeter this week, and with resurrection hope, my heart is glad to know I’ll see her again!

– Chad Burchett

• Dr. Miles writing class was one of the reasons I enrolled at SEBTS! During that first encounter, I instantly knew her love for Jesus & others! I will cherish our coffee chat and her encouraging words spoken by Elizabeth Elliot, “don’t waste your suffering.” She was a faithful follower of Jesus and prayer warrior. I’m forever changed by her words, influence, and wisdom she imparted. Beyond grateful for the opportunity to know her and call her friend.

– Dee Humphrey

• Dr. Miles (A.D.) was a blessing to all who knew her and counted her as a mentor, friend, teacher, and colleague. The smiles captured in the profile pictures show her love for others. I pray that her husband, sons, family and friends take comfort in the memories that many of us have of how she touched our lives. She was truly a light in this world. It was an honor to count her as friend.

– Deanna Rogers

• Dr. Miles’ office was across the hall from mine at SEBTS. How encouraging and friendly she was to me every time I saw her, and always with a smile on her face. It was always clear how much she loved her family, her calling to teach, and her students. In the last few years, we talked with one another about her cancer and the treatments. She would speak honestly about the condition and her feelings, but she also spoke with such joy in the Lord, and hope. After our conversations, it seemed that I felt more down about her condition than she did. I wanted to lift her spirits, but she always lifted mine. I have told people that she was one of the most remarkable, wonderful people they could ever know.

– Alan Moseley

• I first met Dr. Miles at a preview day in 2016. There was a dinner for all the preview day students to be able to sit and talk with faculty and to get to know Southeastern more. When I went into Ledford, I was by myself and felt pretty overwhelmed. I don’t know if Dr. Miles could see the panic on my face, but she stood from her table and came over to me and invited me to sit with her. While asking me questions about what I thought of Southeastern, she asked me if I was from New England. She then proceeded to pinpoint that I was from New Hampshire based on my accent and how I would add and drop my r’s. She then showed genuine interest in hearing about my life, my family, and my future goals. I decided to come to Southeastern and ended up taking two classes with Dr. Miles. Her investment in women on campus meant the world to me. She was the only female professor I had in my undergrad and it was encouraging to be taught by such an amazing, intelligent, and strong woman. She encouraged me to also strive for excellence. She was such a blessing to me and I know to so many others.

– Jenna Burchett

• Dr. Miles was one of those gems that stands out. She was the most wonderful, kind, gracious, and Christ-like person I have known. I had the wonderful privilege to have her twice as my professor in the college. She was so gracious and kind to me, that helped and taught me how to succeed in the classroom, in life, and in my faith journey. I have gotten to know her more outside the classroom when she would occasionally come by the Share Shop. She was a joy to talk to, and you can literally see her faith radiate in her eyes, face and life. I will miss her kindness and grace, her beaming smile, and her radiant faith. Forever with Christ, forever remembered and loved.

– Edgar Smith Jr

• Dr. Miles was truly a phenomenal woman and teacher that I look up to very much. I joined classes not necessary for graduation just to be able to learn from her and hear her stories. I remember telling her my dreams of using my English degree to reach the nations and how encouraging she was from the start to finish. I even wrote a linguistic paper on East Asian linguistics and now am using that knowledge to help me learn another language. Without Dr. Miles guidance, prayers, and support, I don’t think I would be where I am today. Now that I am a teacher, I often tell my students about an amazing professor I had and even try to imitate her in many ways. I am beyond grateful I got to know someone as wonderful as her. I know that a goodbye on earth is only temporary. I look forward to the day we stand side by side again, rejoicing in the name of Jesus forever

–  Katie

• When I first met Dr. Miles, I was one of her students in communications during the fall semester 2023. As the semester progressed I found out she went to North Wake Church. Me being part of North Wake for a little over 2 years now I was able to hear her testimony about her perspective on life. She Took everyday as a blessing from the Lord and she lived it to the fullest, knowing that her faith was not in her circumstances, or her battle with Cancer but The Lord Jesus Christ who promised to be with all of his children till the end of the age.

-Jose Sukar Neto

• A tribute to Dr Miles, I spake moonerisms, but I can’t pronounce open “O”. Matt Smith is still better than David Tenant, but that’s “a-whole-nother” topic. Requiem aeternum dona ea Domine…

– Justin

• I had Dr. Miles in two classes, one during my first semester and one during my last semester. During my first semester, she was one of many professors teaching the Intro to College course. Out of anything I remember from that class, I remembered Dr. Miles’s advice to “treat yourself” during independent study time. By that phrase, she meant to intersperse periods of leisure or entertainment throughout your studying as a student. She claimed that was her own way of rewarding herself for a job well done in her own academic pursuits. I kept that piece of advice through my entire undergraduate program, and have even implemented it in my personal/spiritual life. The class I took with her during my last semester, British Literature, was when she was in the thick of her battle with cancer. She seemed as happy and excited as she was during my first semester, and just as encouraging to her students.

– Alex Renner

• I was a student in Dr. Miles’ Communications class last semester. We met once a week and each class meeting was around 3 hours long. In the three hours my class had with Dr. Miles each week she made the classroom into a welcoming environment. She wouldn’t hesitate to speak to students one on one after class whether it was about school or just life in general. She was a wonderful professor and while her loss is hard on the heart I’m happy that she’s with the Father now.

– Louis Cook

• In August 2015, two young boys from our Wake Forest Recreational Baseball family experienced an unimaginable tragedy in the loss of their father. During that time period, Scott and Adrianne opened their home and hearts to the family to help them navigate this grieving process. Adrianne coordinated a meal at North Wake Church after the funeral so that the family (many of whom had travelled from very far away) could break bread and visit with one another and the community to grieve with these young boys and their family. Her beautiful smile and gracious gesture will never be forgotten. I am sure there will be hundreds of such memories. She and Scott are two beautiful people inside and out. They are a team.

– Anonymous

• I only had the privilege of studying under Dr. Miles for one class, but that was all it took for her to make a profound impact on me. Her wisdom and humor made Communication class the most anticipated 3 hours of my week. She encouraged me to grow in my relationships with others and share my stories. She made a point to learn each of our 40-some names and remember little things about us. She was patient when we were difficult and, even when she was tired, she didn’t show it. Her first priority in each session was to pray for the unreached people groups and faculty members of the week. I’m so grateful that God gave me the chance to know and love her for the short time that I did, and I am confident that her impact will continue through the lives of those she reached. I know that now she is no longer in pain but enjoying the fullness of God’s presence, and, as Dr. Miles loved to quote from G. I. Joe, “knowing is half the battle.”

– Abby Carpenter

• Dr. Miles was a fantastic professor, a wonderful conversationalist, a very warm and welcoming host, a faithful sister in Christ, and a good friend to my wife and I. She loved Jesus, and she wanted everyone to know the love that Jesus showed her. She is missed, but we are rejoicing that she is face to face with our savior!

– David and Mady Quinn

• It was an honor to be on the committee that first considered and recommended Dr. Adrianne Miles to be invited to teach linguistics at Southeastern, as well as working along with her year by year. It gave me a warm feeling to see how much her students, especially those in the College’s Performing Arts Club, adored her. God blessed her students to grow in knowledge and faith under her guidance and to always enjoy her ever-likeable spirit. We look forward to seeing her again in the presence of the Lamb.

– Fred Williams

• English is not my first language and I dreaded the English classes but Dr Miles turned my dreaded communication class at Southeastern into a blessing, she let us use our study notes to do the communication class test and as a result I understood the assignments well and managed an A. She made my journey that semester very easy and enjoyable, she influenced us with little nuggets of the gospel and was a blessing all through, I had hoped to take the English literature class with her but it is not to be. May the Lord comfort her family and give them peace. May God rest her soul in peace.

– Pauline Mureithi

• As an administrator who moonlights as a professor ;0), I was asked on a few occasions to cover for Dr. Miles during these last few years of her battle with cancer. To stay true to her classes, I would dip into her online teaching materials, just to see what she might say to these students if it was her classroom. Never having taken a class from her myself, I was always struck by how personable her materials were, how upbeat and encouraging her messages were, and how Great Commission-focused her applications ended up being. Every lesson I encountered circled back around to Scripture and to God’s perspective on the matter. Even with “old, stuffy British guys,” her messages were pointed, focusing on discipleship and on helping students serve the church and fulfil the Great Commission. AD was a treasure and will be profoundly missed by every facet of the Southeastern community.

– Bryce Hantla

• Dr. AD Miles was one of the kindest persons and professors with whom I’ve ever worked. She loved her family and showed love to her students, teaching not merely literature and communication skills but also grace, charity, hospitality, faithfulness, and lately perseverance. Yes, we worked together on committees and curriculum projects, but what stands out is her big smile, intelligent blue eyes, and loving care, which God squeezed into her small frame. We will miss AD but know she is in her mansion, with the Lord Jesus Christ, and among the great congregation of saints.

– John Burkett, friend and fellow English professor

• From the moment I first met Dr. Miles during a preview day in 2018 (when she took the time to walk with me and sincerely discuss my dreams and what I felt was God’s calling) to my last class with her in 2023 (when she was still encouraging me and tangibly helping me pursue those dreams we had discussed), I have been deeply impacted by her kindness and her care. Not only has she shaped me, but she has also shaped the community of English majors on campus as well as those in the Performing Arts Club, showing us what it means to pursue the creative, to pursue others, and to pursue Christ–especially in the most difficult of times.

– Mary Asta Halvorsen

• My name is Jesse White and I have been a student at southeastern since 2016. From the start, Dr. Miles quickly became one of my favorite professors. Her infectious smile and joyful laugh always managed to brighten my day and made me excited to come to classes I had with her. When I took a linguistics class with her in the fall of 2018, I had overburdened myself with commitments as a house leader, to my church, workplace responsibilities, and my education. As a result my grades began slipping and Dr. Miles wrote a note on my final paper for her linguistics course (probably my favorite class I’ve had so far) that it was evident to her how much my academics were suffering because of saying “yes” to to many things and encouraged me to reevaluate my commitments for academics and my own personal well being. I was stunned to say the least that a professor noticed me in my suffering, both from my own choosing and circumstantial, and lovingly reached out to try and help me. It was a small but powerful gesture that I have never forgotten, and to this day have told many people as a testament to who she is. I’m grateful for the time I got to have with her as a student and as a house leader partially under her guidance. To her family, thank you for the sacrifices you made to allow her to be present and able to minister to students like myself. Grief is but a temporary heart cry, and I pray that you draw nearer to the Lord amidst your time of sorrow. May your lives continue to be blessed and filled with the hope that comes with our salvation.

– Jesse White