Timothy Miller is the newest addition to Mississippi College’s Chick-fil-A team. The 20-year-old Clinton native began work this fall, finding not just a job but a community.
For Miller, who has Down syndrome, the job offers a chance to connect with students his age, gain independence, and take steps toward his dream of one day working as a grill master.
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Miller is the youngest of three siblings. His family moved to Clinton while he was still a child, where he later attended Clinton High School. After graduating in 2024, Miller participated in Project Search, a program that offers internships for young adults with disabilities. He interned at Clinton’s Goodwill and even ended up on television for his participation in the program.
After completing his internship, Miller learned of the Chick-fil-A position through his parents. “I can really understand why my parents chose Chick-fil-A: to be closer to my family and so I can still do the things that I still love to do,” Miller said.
Miller’s love for socializing, coupled with his willingness to learn, made him an excellent candidate for the position.
“I connect with people my age very well,” Miller said.
At Chick-fil-A, Miller’s tasks include putting together orders, calling out customer names, and delivering the food. During this time, he has a chance to chat with patrons, who are mainly MC students.
“I get to learn about them and what they study,” Miller said. “But, also, I want to see what their lives are like.”
Aside from connecting with students, Miller’s favorite part of the job is making and drinking milkshakes, the cookies-and-cream and chocolate flavors being his preference. He looks forward to every Thursday when his mom lets him break his diet for the day and have this “special treat.”
Another highlight of the job is the support Miller receives from the Chick-fil-A staff. “They help me a lot,” Miller said. “My boss is an advocate for me, which I like more than people that are not my advocate. I like it when people look out for me, take care of me. So, I’m really blessed to have a boss like that.”
The staff has welcomed Miller as a valued team member.
“When his parents first called saying that he wanted a job, I jumped on board with it because everyone deserves a chance,” Mashauna Wells, Miller’s manager, said. “So far, Timothy is an awesome worker. I love him, and he makes the best milkshakes ever.”
For Miller, this is just the beginning, as he has many plans for the future. Next fall, he plans to complete a college experience at MC to see if it is the right fit for him. “Not all people like me get to do that; it’s just extra special for me,” Miller said.
He also hopes to become a professional grill master. “My biggest passion is to grill, so I would like to grill hamburgers at a hamburger restaurant like Brick Street Burgers,” Miller said.
During his off time, Miller loves fishing, playing with his beloved dog, Bella, a corgi mix, and spending time with friends and family. However, Miller always looks forward to getting back to work.
“I’m really excited because I like seeing all the people having fun and eating good food that I serve,” Miller said. “But not just that. It’s also the people that I work with who make you feel welcome here.”
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