Jacob Miller, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Jacob Miller, class of 2016, focuses his time and energy on civic engagement and service at UMass Dartmouth. Majoring in Political Science and English, Jacob already has a proven record of finding solutions to improve our community by working closely with others. Most notably… After seeing that changes in the state’s healthcare law were inadvertently hurting college students, forcing many to pay more and leading some to actually drop out of college, Jacob seized an opportunity to work with state Senator Mark Montigny to write and advocate for legislation that would allow college students to stay on MassHealth. His work proved effective and the amendment was signed into law in July 2013 and on January 1st, students were eligible MassHealth. Jacob’s successful efforts also include projects ranging from working with local veterans to restore the neglected Tonnessen Park in New Bedford, to the development of a new website for the regional SouthCoast Serves collaborative that has the capacity to impact thousands. Further demonstrating his commitment to service, Jacob serves as recording secretary for the UMass Dartmouth Student Senate and a member of the Town of Dartmouth’s Town Council. He is outstanding example of a leader serving to make our community stronger.