Miami University Executive and Leadership Team

Samuel Oteng, the Chief Executive Officer at Miami University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this nationally ranked public institution. Oteng architects long-term academic goals while ensuring alignment with the university mission of undergraduate excellence. By overseeing high-level institutional partnerships, the Chief Executive Officer drives growth across diverse degree programs. Samuel Oteng manages complex stakeholder relationships, including board interactions and faculty governance, to maintain the university reputation for career success. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of educational outcomes and market positioning within the competitive higher education landscape. Through rigorous oversight of institutional resources, Oteng secures the financial and academic health of the university. The Chief Executive Officer prioritizes student-centered initiatives that enhance research opportunities and campus life. Ultimately, Oteng fosters an environment where innovation meets tradition, ensuring the institution remains a premier destination for future leaders seeking transformative educational experiences.

Mari Meza, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Miami University, executes operational strategies focused on expanding the reach of online and graduate programs. Meza architects collaborative frameworks that bridge the gap between academic departments and career placement services. By overseeing the integration of new pedagogical technologies, the Co-Chief Executive Officer ensures the university remains at the forefront of modern teaching methodologies. Mari Meza manages cross-functional teams to streamline administrative processes, thereby increasing institutional efficiency. This leadership role involves frequent coordination with the Board to refine the university strategic roadmap. Through targeted efforts in student retention and engagement, Meza supports the broader mission of fostering career success. The Co-Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that broaden the university footprint across regional and national markets. Ultimately, Meza strengthens the institutional commitment to providing a high-quality, accessible education that prepares students for diverse professional opportunities in an evolving global economy.

Kim Harris, the Chief Financial Officer at Miami University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning for the institution. Harris architects robust budgetary frameworks that support research, faculty development, and student services. By overseeing the allocation of university resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial decisions directly advance the mission of academic excellence. Kim Harris manages complex financial reporting and compliance requirements, providing the necessary data for strategic institutional growth. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to secure funding for capital projects and campus infrastructure improvements. Through prudent fiscal management, Harris drives the sustainability of the university financial model. The Chief Financial Officer monitors economic trends to mitigate risks and identify new revenue streams for academic programs. Ultimately, Harris secures the financial foundation required to provide a transformative educational experience for students, ensuring the university remains a leader in public higher education.

Sandy Rivera, the Chief Operating Officer at Miami University, directs the physical and digital infrastructure that supports the campus community. Rivera architects scalable operational systems that enhance the daily experience for students, faculty, and staff. By overseeing facilities management, campus safety, and information technology services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures a seamless environment for learning and research. Sandy Rivera manages large-scale projects aimed at modernizing campus amenities to meet the needs of a diverse student body. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite leaders to align operational capacity with the university strategic goals. Through the optimization of campus resources, Rivera drives efficiency and sustainability across all university operations. The Chief Operating Officer monitors service delivery metrics to maintain high standards of excellence. Ultimately, Rivera supports the university mission by providing the essential infrastructure that enables students to thrive in a vibrant, research-focused academic setting.

Kathleen Squance, the President, Special Events, Office of at Miami University, directs the planning and execution of high-profile institutional events. Squance architects engagement strategies that bring together alumni, donors, and prospective students to celebrate university achievements. By overseeing the logistics and programming for major campus gatherings, the President, Special Events, Office of ensures that every event reflects the prestige and mission of the institution. Kathleen Squance manages cross-departmental teams to deliver seamless experiences that foster community and support fundraising goals. This leadership role involves coordinating with executive leadership to align event themes with the broader university strategic vision. Through the creation of impactful programming, Squance drives institutional pride and strengthens connections with the global university network. The President, Special Events, Office of monitors event outcomes to continuously improve engagement metrics. Ultimately, Squance enhances the university brand by curating experiences that showcase the transformative nature of the educational environment.

Mackenzie Rice, the President at Miami University, directs the academic initiatives and faculty development programs within the university. Rice architects curriculum enhancements that ensure students receive a rigorous and relevant education. By overseeing academic departments and research centers, the President drives the university commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching. Mackenzie Rice manages faculty recruitment and retention efforts to maintain a high-caliber academic staff. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Provost and other academic leaders to refine degree programs and learning outcomes. Through the promotion of interdisciplinary research, Rice supports the university mission of preparing students for diverse career opportunities. The President monitors academic performance metrics to ensure the institution meets its educational goals. Ultimately, Rice fosters an environment of intellectual curiosity and academic rigor, ensuring that the university remains a top-tier destination for students seeking a transformative and career-focused educational experience.

Kyle King, the President at Miami University, directs the student affairs and campus life initiatives that contribute to a vibrant university experience. King architects programs that support student well-being, leadership development, and extracurricular engagement. By overseeing student organizations, housing, and wellness services, the President ensures that the campus environment fosters personal and professional growth. Kyle King manages initiatives that promote inclusivity and diversity, aligning with the university commitment to a supportive community. This leadership role involves collaborating with student government and faculty to address the evolving needs of the student body. Through the implementation of holistic support services, King drives student success and retention. The President monitors campus climate surveys and engagement data to continuously improve the student experience. Ultimately, King enhances the university mission by creating a campus culture where students are empowered to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Isabella Jackson, the President, Alpha Gamma Chapter at Miami University, directs the operations and community engagement efforts for this specific student organization. Jackson architects leadership development programs that prepare members for future career success. By overseeing chapter activities, philanthropic initiatives, and member recruitment, the President, Alpha Gamma Chapter ensures alignment with the broader university values of excellence and service. Isabella Jackson manages internal governance and fosters a collaborative environment that supports the academic and personal growth of members. This leadership role involves coordinating with university administration to ensure compliance with institutional policies and to leverage campus resources. Through the promotion of active participation in university life, Jackson drives student engagement and community building. The President, Alpha Gamma Chapter monitors member performance and organizational impact to ensure continued success. Ultimately, Jackson contributes to the vibrant campus life that defines the university experience for students.

Madeline Zinkl, the Chief of Staff at Miami University, coordinates executive communications and manages the daily operations of the leadership office. Zinkl architects internal workflows that facilitate seamless decision-making across all university departments. By overseeing the flow of information to the executive team, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment with the core mission of undergraduate excellence. Madeline Zinkl manages high-priority projects that require cross-departmental collaboration, including research initiatives and campus-wide policy updates. This leadership role involves acting as a primary liaison between the administration and various university stakeholders. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, Zinkl supports the strategic objectives set by the executive leadership. The Chief of Staff drives organizational efficiency by optimizing administrative protocols and fostering a culture of transparency. Ultimately, Zinkl maintains the operational rhythm of the university, ensuring that all institutional efforts remain focused on student success and the delivery of a transformative educational experience.

Jessica Rivinius, the Vice President, CCO and Chief Marketing Officer at Miami University, directs the brand strategy and institutional communications for the university. Rivinius architects comprehensive marketing campaigns that highlight the excellence of undergraduate teaching and career success. By overseeing public relations, digital media, and internal communications, the Vice President, CCO and Chief Marketing Officer ensures a consistent and compelling narrative for the institution. Jessica Rivinius manages relationships with media outlets and external partners to elevate the university profile on a national scale. This leadership role involves collaborating with admissions and alumni relations to drive recruitment and engagement efforts. Through data-driven marketing strategies, Rivinius supports the university goal of attracting future leaders. The Vice President, CCO and Chief Marketing Officer monitors brand sentiment and market trends to refine communication tactics. Ultimately, Rivinius strengthens the university reputation, ensuring that the value of a Miami education is clearly communicated to prospective students and the broader public.