SC State launches ‘Miller,’ an AI virtual engagement officer named in honor of founder Thomas E. Miller

SC State is the first HBCU in South Carolina to deploy AI engagement technology to expand donor relationships and power its inaugural capital campaign.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University on Wednesday announced the launch of “Miller,” its new AI-powered virtual engagement officer, marking a transformative step forward in alumni and donor engagement.

With this launch, SC State becomes the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in South Carolina to implement this innovative technology.

Named in honor of Thomas E. Miller, the university’s founder and first president, Miller reflects SC State’s enduring legacy of leadership, access, and excellence — now extended into the digital age.

This initiative is made possible through a groundbreaking partnership with Givzey, a national leader in AI-powered engagement solutions for nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions. Together, SC State and Givzey are advancing a new model for how universities build relationships at scale while maintaining a personalized, human-centered approach. 

Expanding capacity to power a historic campaign

Miller arrives at a pivotal moment for the University as it advances “The Power of SC State: A Capital Campaign to Elevate Excellence,” the first comprehensive capital campaign in SC State history.

Fully integrated as a member of the University Advancement team, Miller will carry a portfolio of 1,000 donors — more than five times the size of a traditional gift officer portfolio — significantly expanding the SC State’s capacity to engage alumni and supporters.

Participation in the program is opt-in, ensuring a donor-centered approach that prioritizes meaningful, relationship-driven engagement. Through this model, Miller will help SC State reach more donors, deepen connections, and accelerate progress toward its campaign goals.

Rooted in legacy. powered by innovation

The launch of Miller represents a bold step in aligning SC State’s historic mission with cutting-edge technology.

“At South Carolina State University, we are proud to lead with both tradition and innovation,” President Alexander Conyers said. “Naming this initiative after our founder, Thomas E. Miller, is deeply meaningful. It reflects our commitment to advancing his vision by expanding access, strengthening relationships, and ensuring that SC State continues to thrive for generations to come. Miller allows us to connect with our Bulldog family in ways that are more accessible, responsive, and impactful than ever before.”

Elevating engagement through innovation

Miller has been thoughtfully developed and extensively trained to understand the University’s mission, culture, and priorities. While AI-powered, the purpose behind the initiative is deeply personal, enhancing the university’s ability to build authentic, lasting relationships.

“Miller represents the next evolution in how we engage, inspire, and connect with our Bulldog family,” said Dr. John Michael Lee Jr., SC State’s vice president for university advancement. “Through our partnership with Givzey and the launch of our first-ever capital campaign, we are expanding what is possible in advancement. Miller allows us to scale personalized engagement in ways we have never been able to before — reaching more alumni, strengthening relationships, and driving greater impact for our students and our future. This is innovation with purpose.”

As part of a select national collaborative of institutions exploring the use of artificial intelligence for social good, SC State joins a growing movement leveraging AI to deliver more responsive, concierge-style engagement experiences for alumni and donors. 

A personalized, opt-in engagement experience

Miller is designed to enhance the Bulldog experience by:

• Sharing timely updates about SC State University
• Connecting alumni and supporters with opportunities aligned to their interests
• Answering questions and providing real-time engagement
• Strengthening connections between donors and the University’s impact

 With its opt-in model, Miller ensures that every interaction is intentional, relevant, and aligned with donor preferences.

Meet Miller

In the coming days, alumni and supporters will begin hearing from Miller as part of this new initiative. Members of the Bulldog community are invited to explore and engage with Miller.

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