Miami University Executive and Leadership Team

Samuel Oteng, the Chief Executive Officer at Miami University, directs the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Oteng manages the alignment of academic programs with long-term institutional goals, ensuring the university maintains its reputation for high-quality research and undergraduate education. By coordinating with the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer shapes policies that influence the Farmer School of Business and the College of Engineering and Computing. Samuel Oteng drives initiatives that expand the reach of the Oxford campus and regional centers, including the Voice of America Learning Center. This leadership role involves balancing fiscal responsibility with the expansion of the Miami Plan curriculum. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief Executive Officer secures the university's position as a premier public research institution. Oteng prioritizes the integration of experiential learning into the core academic framework to prepare students for complex global challenges.

Bruce Guiot, the Chief Financial Officer at Miami University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the entire institution. Guiot oversees the financial planning required to support diverse academic programs, from the College of Arts and Science to specialized research initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer directs the allocation of resources across the Oxford campus and regional locations, ensuring that capital investments align with the university's long-term mission. Bruce Guiot monitors revenue streams and expenditure patterns to maintain institutional stability. By collaborating with other C-suite leaders, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes funding for infrastructure projects and faculty development. This role involves rigorous analysis of economic trends to safeguard the university's endowment and operational budget. Guiot ensures that financial transparency remains a priority, providing the necessary support for the Miami Plan to thrive while maintaining the fiscal integrity of the university's expansive educational portfolio.

Sandy Rivera, the Chief Operating Officer at Miami University, executes the daily operational strategies that sustain the university's physical and digital infrastructure. Rivera manages the logistical requirements of the Oxford campus and the John E. Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg, ensuring seamless service delivery. The Chief Operating Officer directs facility maintenance, campus safety protocols, and the integration of technology across all academic departments. Sandy Rivera coordinates with administrative teams to streamline processes that support the Miami Plan, focusing on efficiency and student-centered service. This leadership role involves overseeing the operational aspects of the Voice of America Learning Center to ensure consistent quality standards. By optimizing campus resources, the Chief Operating Officer facilitates an environment conducive to undergraduate research and collaborative learning. Rivera drives improvements in operational workflows, ensuring that the university's physical footprint effectively supports the academic mission and the needs of the student body.

Ava Young, the President at Miami University, provides academic leadership and sets the scholarly agenda for the institution. Young oversees the faculty and curriculum development, ensuring that the liberal arts framework remains rigorous and relevant. The President directs the university's engagement with external research partners and academic consortia to advance the institution's standing. Ava Young manages the academic vision for the Oxford campus and regional centers, fostering an environment where critical thinking and communication thrive. This leadership role involves working closely with the Provost and deans to support the College of Arts and Science and other academic units. By championing the Miami Plan, the President ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that emphasizes experiential learning. Young drives initiatives that promote faculty excellence and student success, maintaining the university's commitment to high-quality research and teaching across all disciplines.

Dustin Jones, the President at Miami University, focuses on the expansion of student life and the enhancement of the campus experience. Jones directs the development of extracurricular programs that complement the academic curriculum, ensuring that students have access to diverse opportunities for personal growth. The President oversees the integration of civic-mindedness into student organizations and community service initiatives. Dustin Jones manages the relationships with student government and campus groups to ensure a vibrant and inclusive environment. This leadership role involves collaborating with the administration to align student life activities with the broader goals of the Miami Plan. By fostering a culture of collaboration, the President supports the development of well-rounded graduates. Jones drives efforts to improve student retention and engagement, ensuring that the university remains a supportive and dynamic community for all learners across the Oxford campus and regional locations.

Nicholas Barillari, the Club Sailing Team President at Miami University, manages the operations and competitive strategy of the university's sailing program. Barillari directs the recruitment of team members and the coordination of regattas, ensuring that the club maintains a high standard of performance. The Club Sailing Team President oversees the maintenance of equipment and the management of the team's budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility. Nicholas Barillari coordinates with the university's recreational sports department to ensure compliance with institutional policies and safety standards. This leadership role involves fostering a collaborative environment where students develop teamwork and communication skills through experiential learning on the water. By organizing training sessions and travel logistics, the Club Sailing Team President provides students with opportunities to represent the university in regional and national competitions. Barillari drives the team's growth, contributing to the diverse extracurricular landscape that defines the student experience.

Kathleen Squance, the President, Special Events, Office of at Miami University, directs the planning and execution of high-profile institutional events. Squance manages the logistics for commencement, academic conferences, and donor engagement activities that strengthen the university's community ties. The President, Special Events, Office of oversees the coordination of venues and resources to ensure that every event reflects the university's commitment to excellence. Kathleen Squance collaborates with various departments to integrate the Miami Plan's values into public-facing programs. This leadership role involves managing complex schedules and ensuring that all events align with the university's strategic goals. By facilitating meaningful interactions between faculty, students, and alumni, the President, Special Events, Office of enhances the institution's reputation. Squance drives the success of these events, ensuring they serve as platforms for showcasing the university's research, academic achievements, and vibrant campus culture.

Madeline Zinkl, the Chief of Staff at Miami University, coordinates the executive office functions and facilitates communication between the leadership team and the broader university community. Zinkl manages the flow of information to the President, ensuring that strategic priorities receive appropriate attention and resources. The Chief of Staff directs the scheduling and preparation for high-level meetings, including those involving the Board of Trustees and academic deans. Madeline Zinkl oversees the implementation of institutional policies, ensuring alignment with the university's liberal arts framework. This role involves managing complex projects that span multiple colleges, from the Farmer School of Business to the College of Engineering and Computing. By fostering collaboration across departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that the university's mission remains central to all administrative decisions. Zinkl drives organizational efficiency, allowing the leadership team to focus on long-term growth and the continued success of the Miami Plan.

Jessica Rivinius, the Vice President, CCO and Chief Marketing Officer at Miami University, directs the institution's brand strategy and public communication efforts. Rivinius manages the messaging that defines the university's identity, highlighting the value of the Miami Plan and the institution's commitment to civic-mindedness. The Vice President, CCO and Chief Marketing Officer oversees digital outreach and media relations to attract prospective students and engage alumni globally. Jessica Rivinius coordinates with academic departments to showcase undergraduate research and experiential learning opportunities. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, from local communities in Ohio to international partners. By leveraging data-driven marketing strategies, the Vice President, CCO and Chief Marketing Officer enhances the university's visibility and reputation. Rivinius ensures that all communications reflect the core values of collaboration and critical thinking, strengthening the institution's market position as a leading public research university.