Silos Are For Farms
Ted Miller: The Ideal Leader for Northeastern’s New Interdisciplinary Studies Program
When Ted Miller was appointed the Program Lead for Northeastern University’s new undergraduate Interdisciplinary Studies program, it felt like the culmination of a lifetime of intellectual curiosity and varied experience. His journey—rooted in history, politics, and a deep appreciation for cross-disciplinary thinking—makes him the perfect leader for an initiative that aims to break down traditional academic silos.
A Life Shaped by Curiosity and History
Born and raised in Weymouth, Massachusetts, Miller’s fascination with history was sparked at an early age by his father, Franklin Miller, a Northeastern University graduate. Franklin’s own journey was one of perseverance; after working through high school and full-time at a gas station, he took an electrical engineering degree at Northeastern a decade later. His co-op experience led him to the Earth and Planetary Science Department at MIT, where he worked under Gene Simmons on the guidance system for the Apollo missions.
Ted fondly recalls tagging along to MIT, where he would explore the geophysics department and, on occasion, even touch moon rocks. His father’s passion for discovery extended to family trips across the Atlantic seaboard—visits to Gettysburg, Ford’s Theatre, and Cape Canaveral—igniting a love of history in young Ted. This love of history led him to Providence College, where he studied how people make decisions and how history reflects human nature.
From Policy to Academia
While at Providence College, Miller’s interests expanded beyond history into political science, earning him a coveted internship in the Rhode Island State Government. He worked on legislation advocating for greater accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing, which he saw as a civil rights issue. His dedication earned him the McKenna Thompson Internship Award and propelled him toward policy work.
Miller’s post-graduate path took him to Washington, D.C., where he pursued a master’s degree at American University while working on Capitol Hill. Recognizing that power was shifting back to the states, he returned to Massachusetts and, through sheer persistence—personally dropping off resumes at every office in the State House—secured a position on the Public Safety Committee. Later, he worked on public service policies, including an in-depth research project on civil service laws that was eventually published in a historical journal.
This research reignited his love for history, leading him to pursue a Ph.D. at Boston College. His dissertation, “Mavericks of the Metroplex,” explored the rise of far-right conservatism in Dallas—a theme he later expanded into his book titled “Nut Country” about the birth of the southern right-wing political strategy. His second book was a biography about Robert Welch, founder of the John Birch Society. Miller’s writing is deeply analytical and targets a general audience, focusing on the intersection of leadership, power, and ideology.
The Interdisciplinary Approach
Miller’s transition to academia was natural. He began teaching world history at Boston College before joining Northeastern in 2011 as part of the NU Global/NU Immerse program, which served international students. This experience broadened his perspective, exposing him to diverse cultural viewpoints and inspiring him to explore interdisciplinary teaching.
When the opportunity arose to lead the new Interdisciplinary Studies undergraduate program, Miller seized it.
Erin Clair, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, hired Miller. She said, “As a historian, Ted has the perfect background to lead an interdisciplinary studies program. Historians must understand all the things that go into a cultural moment: science, technology, art, literature, psychology, sociology, economics. Their field is, by nature, interdisciplinary. Any leader needs to understand a variety of fields to help guide people toward goals. It’s not enough to understand our own singular subject matter: we must know how to work with people, and to do that we must understand psychology, sociology, ethics, history, etc. To me, the interdisciplinary program is the crown jewel of CPS. It’s a choose-your-own adventure degree that you can craft to take you down any path you want.”
The program, which officially launched in October 2023, aligns perfectly with his belief that the world’s most pressing challenges require knowledge across multiple domains.
“We have a saying: ‘Silos are for farms,’” Miller explains. “The real world isn’t divided by college majors. The ability to blend fields—like psychology and business—allows students to tackle problems from multiple angles and keeps their minds agile in an ever-changing job market.”
A Program for Explorers and Innovators
The Interdisciplinary Studies program attracts students who resist being confined to a single academic track. “We get the strivers, the explorers, the budding entrepreneurs—students who don’t want to be boxed into one major,” says Miller. “For them, this approach is perfect.”
Students in the program design a customized curriculum by selecting two or three fields of study, working closely with advisors like Kelsey McCunney to craft a cohesive academic plan. “It’s not just a buffet of courses,” Miller emphasizes. “It’s a structured, intentional path.”
The flexibility of the program is one of its biggest draws. Miller notes that many students shift their focus as their interests evolve, and he encourages such adaptability. “Maybe it’s that one anthropology class that sparks something unexpected,” he says. “That ability to pivot and blend skill sets makes graduates stand out in a rapidly evolving workforce.”
Looking Ahead
Miller’s first year leading the program has been deeply rewarding, even as it was marked by personal loss—his father passed away in December 2023 at age 84. “Industry is the enemy of melancholy,” Miller reflects. “I don’t think I’ve ever worked harder than I have this past year to build up the program.”
His efforts are paying off. Interest in Interdisciplinary Studies is growing, and the buzz around the program continues to build. Students appreciate the personalized attention, the ability to tailor their education to their interests, and the real-world applicability of their studies.
For Miller, this program represents the culmination of his life’s work: a fusion of history, politics, and education that prepares students to think critically and connect ideas in ways that traditional disciplines cannot. His journey—from a history-loving kid exploring moon rocks to a policy expert and educator—has uniquely positioned him to lead this initiative.
With Miller at the helm, Northeastern’s Interdisciplinary Studies program is poised to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
