Spotlight: Dr. Adrianne Miles

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are (where are you from, family, work, etc)

I am a small-town girl from Graham, NC, which is about an hour west of Wake Forest. After high school, I moved to the big city of Raleigh for college. As a senior at NCSU, I started dating the man whom I would marry three years later after we had both earned master’s degrees from State. My Ph.D. work required a move to an even bigger city—Austin, TX. Just before I graduated from UT-Austin, our oldest son was born. God paved the way for us to move back to NC near family in Raleigh and not too far from family in Graham. Our second son was born a few years later. Living in Wake Forest feels like I’ve come full circle. This small-town girl is finally back in a small town. God has blessed me with a loving husband and two great teenagers, and I’ve been able to work at SEBTS doing what I love since 2010.

2. If you had a free day and unlimited money, what would you spend your day doing?

Three years ago, for our twentieth wedding anniversary, my husband and I went to Jamaica. It was amazing—breath-taking scenery, relaxing days on the beach, scrumptious food, and friendly people. If money were no object, I’d go back to Jamaica and spend the day reading a novel on the beach and eating whatever I wanted.

3. Who is the most influential person in your life?

This is always a difficult question. I am supposed to say, “Jesus,” right? Or should I say, “my mother”? I think the truth is there is no one person who has been the most influential figure in my life. Instead, many people have poured into me, and I’m thankful for the way their strengths have contributed to my character. As a child spending the night with my grandparents, I would often see my grandmother reading her Bible. She taught me that busy women make time to grow closer to God. My mom blessed me with frugalness and thoughtfulness. My sister showed me that in the darkest times, God never leaves. Various friends over the years have taught me the importance of asking questions and paying attention to answers and how to pray for my children, my husband, and the larger community. I’m like a mockingbird, when I hear a beautiful tune in another person’s life, I copy it.

4. What is one book that you think everyone should have on their bookshelf?

The Bible, of course. But it is not enough to have it on your bookshelf. You actually need to read it, so get a version that you will read. If the NIV or NASB are collecting dust, get The Message. Books on shelves are no good to anyone. It’s the book in your hands and on your mind that makes all the difference.

When I read for enjoyment, I gravitate towards novels, particularly historical fiction. If you haven’t read Gone with the Wind, get it. Read it. And, no, watching the movie doesn’t count.

5. What is a verse that you would consider your “life verse”?

Isaiah 40:31

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

6. What are three words that people would use to describe you?

kind, committed, funny (This was the toughest question to answer!)