Envision the Future

Bicentennial Student Center  |  Message from the President

Message from the President

Miami University began with a strong belief in an idea In 1809, Miami University had no buildings, no classes and no students. It had only a charter, a young and enthusiastic board of trustees - most of them completely uninformed in the ways of academia - and a tract of wild land.

In 1811, the trustees sent the Rev. John W. Browne to raise funds for Miami. Rev. Browne journeyed on horseback, selling nothing more than an idea that would not come to life for 13years. A tough sell, but he returned with the money and books essential to Miami's beginnings. More important was what the donors said with their contributions. They expressed a belief in the idea of Miami University.

That idea was then, and is now, to create an opportunity for students to develop their full intellectual capacity and moral character, and, in turn, build a better future for our communities, our state and our nation. Miami's mission has always been a public one, seeking to better our world through the contributions of our graduates, as well as through our scholarship, creativity and service.

Over its 200 years, Miami has produced hundreds of thousands of graduates of uncommon quality - including many great leaders. Miami's most distinguished graduate was the 23rd president of the United States, Benjamin Harrison, class of 1852. At the start of the Civil War, five of the 33 states of the Union had Miami graduates serving as their governors. Miami alumni also included 15 generals and admirals, two members of Lincoln's cabinet, and a member of Davis' cabinet. Today, there are about 180,000 Miami alumni living.

Throughout its history, Miami has consistently produced graduates who have distinguished themselves in fields that make our state and our nation great: all levels of government, politics, media, the arts, medicine, business, law, education, sports and many others.

Today's Oxford campus students come from every part of Ohio, nearly every state, and more than 50 nations. Students who come from outside Ohio contribute more than $150 million directly, and nearly a half billion dollars in total, to the state's economy. The campus today is much larger than the founders might ever have imagined. Yet they come to a campus even more committed to the success, and the impact, of our students.

Miami led the way in establishing regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown that now are leading the way in developing baccalaureate degrees and flexible and innovative programs that serve the needs of their communities. Just a few weeks ago, Miami opened the Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester to better serve the educational needs of Ohio's fastest growing region. In November, Miami's Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg celebrated its 40th anniversary reflecting Miami's global connections.

As Miami marks its 200th anniversary, we celebrate and embrace the long and proud tradition of fulfilling our public mission: to contribute to a better future through the students we educate, the scholarship and creativity we produce and the services we provide to our communities and beyond.

 

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The Office of the President
Discover the Mission and Goals (PDF 688KB) of our institution as we look to the future and reaffirm our commitment to student success.