Lane Ross Miller, a respected industry leader and retired vice president of global technology at LORD Corporation, has been named a 2024 Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award recipient by North Carolina State University’s College of Engineering. Miller, who earned his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from NC State in 1988, is one of three alumni honored this year with the prestigious award.
According to the NC State University College of Engineering website, The Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award was established by the Faculty of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University in 1966 to honor engineering graduates who have been recognized for outstanding achievements in planning and direction of engineering work; fostering professional development of young engineers; contributing to knowledge in the field of engineering; or bringing, in other ways, distinction to the University through engineering achievement.
Miller, an esteemed NC State alumnus from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, began his career at LORD Corporation in 1979, where he rose to lead a team of more than 300 engineers, scientists, and technicians as vice president of global technology. Overseeing the company’s $1 billion business in adhesives, coatings, sensing, vibration attenuation, and motion control, Miller played a pivotal role in LORD’s automotive, aerospace, and industrial markets. Among his contributions, Miller traveled globally to promote the adoption of LORD’s active vibration control technology—a fast-growing segment for the company. This innovative technology is now deployed on thousands of commercial and military helicopters worldwide, improving performance by reducing vibration, cutting weight, and enabling greater flight capacity. Miller holds more than 15 patents related to these advancements.
In addition to his professional achievements, Miller is dedicated to STEM education and has remained closely involved with NC State. In 2013, he was among the inaugural inductees into the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Alumni Hall of Fame, and he continues to serve on the department’s advisory board. Miller’s commitment to education and the industry also earned him recognition in 2020 as a Distinguished Alumni at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology. He also holds a master of engineering in engineering science from The Pennsylvania State University.
Joining Miller as 2024 Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award honorees are Tracy B. Doaks from the Department of Industrial Engineering, and Tony McLean Brown from the Department of Computer Science.
The Distinguished Engineering Alumni Awards celebrate the achievements and impact of NC State Engineering alumni, honoring those who have made significant contributions to their fields and upheld NC State’s legacy of leadership and innovation.