Mathematics Professor Makes It to Jeopardy!

Andy Miller’s passion leads him to trivia’s most famous stage 

This fall, Belmont mathematics professor Dr. Andy Miller fulfilled a decades-long dream when he stepped behind the iconic lectern on the Alex Trebek Stage in Culver City, California, to compete on Jeopardy! — joining the ranks of a select group of intellectuals who've made it to television's most famous quiz show.  

“It’s a very strange feeling to be up there,” he recalled. “You look out and realize this is the Jeopardy! stage.” 

A Lifelong Goal 

Miller traces his interest in the game show back to high school, when he began shouting answers at the television like so many fans do. After his first audition for Jeopardy! nearly 30 years ago for the College Championship, a seed was planted. 

Over the years, Miller has seen the audition process change — from in-person casting calls at local hotels to today’s streamlined online tests and virtual tryouts. “There is an element of luck,” he reflected. “Hundreds of people are smart enough to be on Jeopardy! You just have to keep trying. Sometimes it’s about being in the right place at the right time and giving it your best shot when you do.” 

The Road to Culver City 

Miller’s shot finally hit the mark this year. After passing the second of two online tests in January, he advanced to a mock video audition in May. In June, he received the call he had been waiting for: an invitation to compete. He taped his episode in August, traveling with his wife and daughter, who turned the trip into a family vacation complete with beach days and museum visits. 

Behind the Scenes 

During his visit, Miller was struck by the professionalism and passion of the crew. One longtime staff member had even worked on the very first pilot episode of the show’s revival with Alex Trebek decades earlier. 

Another welcomed surprise was the sense of friendship among contestants. “You might think it would be super competitive, but it wasn’t,” Miller explained. “It was total camaraderie. We cheered for each other, wished each other luck and celebrated afterward.” 

Months later, Miller and his fellow contestants stay connected through a lively group chat. 

A Community of Support 

Though Miller had to keep his participation, and the results, secret until shortly before airdate, he was moved by the encouragement from his family, friends and Belmont community who all shared in his excitement.  

“It’s fun to have people root for you,” he said. “I don’t like to toot my own horn, but I learned how fun it is to let people cheer for you every once in a while.” 

At Belmont, the College of Sciences and Mathematics hosted a watch party for Miller’s televised episode. Students and colleagues cheered for him while playing along in a McWhorter classroom the night the episode aired. By the first commercial break, Miller held the lead, but in Double Jeopardy crossword champion Paolo Pasco pulled ahead of Miller and co-contestant Jill Frechette to run away with the game. The Final Jeopardy answer eluded both Pasco and Miller, resulting in Pasco claiming the win. 

“The worst part about losing was just not getting to play again,” he regaled. “It was so much fun. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” 

Lessons for Students 

Miller’s persistence — over three decades of auditions before stepping onto the stage — offers a message of resilience for Belmont students pursuing their own aspirations. 

“I hope it doesn’t take them 30 years to reach their dreams,” he joked. “But the lesson is to have confidence in yourself and keep trying. Some things are out of your control. What you can control is showing up, staying calm and giving it your best shot.”