Norman Miller, 86; UCLA Professor, Expert on Recreation Programs

Norman Miller, 86, a longtime UCLA faculty member and administrator who oversaw student affairs during the 1970s and headed the campus’ 1984 Summer Olympics operation, died Tuesday of natural causes at his Sherman Oaks home.

A 1939 graduate of UCLA, Miller joined its faculty in 1949 as an assistant professor of physical education. He soon developed a statewide and national reputation as an expert on recreation programs.

He established the UCLA Office of Cultural and Recreational Affairs in 1962 to coordinate intramural and club sports and other recreation programs for teachers, students and staff. He championed Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, an outdoor complex opened in 1966 that featured swimming pools, athletic fields and other facilities.

In 1970, Miller became UCLA’s first vice chancellor for student and campus affairs, a position he held until his retirement in 1979. He returned to UCLA almost immediately when Chancellor Charles Young asked him to help coordinate campus planning and to receive foreign visitors during the five years leading up to the 1984 Olympic Games.