Alumna and Cybersecurity Leader Receives University’s Highest Degree

The digital world can be a precarious place, but Cal Poly Pomona alumna Diane Miller (’81, computer information systems) is committed to meeting the constantly evolving cyber threat for generations to come.

Miller is director of Global Cyber Education and Workforce Development at Northrop Grumman, as well as a leading voice for CyberPatriot, which promotes cyber literacy starting in kindergarten.

In recognition of her distinguished career, Miller was awarded an honorary doctorate by Cal Poly Pomona and the California State University system at the College of Business Administration’s 50th anniversary gala.

Miller has forged a distinguished career at Northrop Grumman and is an internationally recognized speaker on the need to educate and develop a diverse and talented cyber workforce pipeline. She is a longtime advocate for diversity across STEM disciplines and has shaped the national conversation about cybersecurity.

“Underlying all her professional pursuits and accomplishments is an undying commitment to expanding opportunity,” said University President Soraya M. Coley. “She has stayed closely connected to Cal Poly Pomona since graduation. And whether it is conducting a workshop at our Cyber Security & Awareness Fair or lending her voice to our strategic planning process, Diane remains ‘Bronco Loyal’ to this day.”

Miller’s commitment to higher education includes helping to develop curricula, offering internships, and cultivating relationships between academia, government and industry. At Cal Poly Pomona, Northrop Grumman has provided resources for research in the Cyber Physical Systems Laboratory and helped create a student-led Cyber Security Operations Center.

At the CBA’s anniversary gala in March, the college also honored Distinguished Alumni David Singelyn (’84, accounting and computer information systems) and Ruth Singelyn (’84, information systems), as well as digital leader Avanade with the Corporate Partnership Award.

In May, the university will also bestow an honorary degree at the College of Engineering’s commencement ceremony to Joan Robinson-Berry (’82, engineering technology).