On a sunny day in August of 1999, Tim Daugherty found a seat in his first engineering lecture. Over the next four years, Tim pursued his degree in biomedical engineering. From walking across campus to crossing the stage, he was committed to innovation and creating positive changes in the world around him.
Tim’s dedication to making a meaningful difference has remained throughout his career. Whether through his many roles at Millar LLC or his active involvement in supporting the success of biomedical engineering students at Texas A&M University, Tim exemplifies what it looks like for an Aggie to embody selfless service and excellence.
As a result of his efforts, Tim was named the 2023 Department of Biomedical Engineering Outstanding Alumni at the annual department awards banquet. Shortly after, he established the Tim Daugherty ’03 Family Endowed BMEN Scholarship to foster growth for future generations of Aggie engineers.
Pursuit of Excellence
Daughtery’s connection to Texas A&M started when he set out to study at one of the best biomedical engineering departments in the state: Texas A&M. After an official visit to experience the Aggie Spirit for himself, Tim knew that he belonged at Texas A&M. That sense of belonging never faded.
Devoted to his studies, Tim exemplified a commitment to excellence. He was part of Foundation Honors, where he pushed himself to grow academically. A scholarship recipient himself, Tim’s education at Texas A&M was possible through the support of Aggie donors.
Inspired by the generosity he experienced as a Terry Scholarship recipient, Tim now seeks to alleviate the financial burden for future biomedical engineering students with the Tim Daugherty ’03 Family Endowed BMEN Scholarship. Tim’s commitment to paving the way for the next generation of biomedical engineers to create positive change is rooted in his appreciation of the support he once received.
“I was always impressed by Mr. Terry's philanthropy to such a large number of students. He allowed me and many others to graduate college debt free, and I hope my scholarship can provide some similar relief to its recipients over the years,” said Tim.
Excellence as a Standard
After graduating in 2003, Tim began his career working in the medical device field. He started as a technical sales and support engineer at what was then Millar Instruments, Inc. in Houston, selling MEMS pressure-enabled catheters, devices, and systems in the preclinical, cardiovascular, and urologic markets worldwide. In 2005, Tim became director of cardiology products, where he had the opportunity to work closely with key opinion leaders in medicine and at medical device companies.
His passion for innovation and leadership led him to assume the role of president and CEO at Millar within 13 years of joining the company. As president and CEO, Tim executed a strategic shift, transforming Millar into a full-service contract design and manufacturing organization. Under his visionary guidance, the company witnessed increased investment in product development and technical capability, growth by acquisition, and the opening of a state-of-the-art headquarters in Pearland, TX.
Not only has this new vision resulted in increased company success, but it will also significantly increase the number of patients diagnosed and treated with Millar sensors.
“Not only has this new vision resulted in increased company success, but it will also significantly increase the number of patients diagnosed and treated with Millar sensors. Today our sensors are used in hundreds of thousands of procedures annually, but by partnering with innovative medical device companies and physicians, our goal is to impact 1M+ lives annually in the next ten years,” Tim said.
At the Heart of Excellence
Committed to giving back, Tim stayed connected to Texas A&M, most recently joining the biomedical engineering department’s External Advisory Board. Through this role, he helps maintain the preeminence of biomedical engineering at Texas A&M.
In acknowledgment of his noteworthy contributions and leadership, Tim was awarded the Outstanding Alumni Award from the biomedical engineering department. He was recognized not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his devotion to shaping the future of biomedical engineers.
“One of the more enjoyable aspects of being department head is meeting former students who are making an impact on the world, and Tim is doing exactly that," said Mike McShane, department head of the biomedical engineering department.
Tim tells an impressive and inspiring story only furthering the dedication that Aggie biomedical engineers have to excellence. His journey from student to CEO to donor exemplifies the determination that Aggies’ determination to create a better world for those around them.
"These are the people who want to make a difference," said McShane. "Many still have a passion for Texas A&M and biomedical engineering and they want to help make this place better."