No. 19
Best Public Colleges for Future Leaders
Time
Miami Made
Miami University students and alumni lead at the highest levels. From Fortune 500 CEOs to NFL head coaches to elected officials, Miamians possess the vision, integrity, and compassion needed to inspire others.
Open Up to More Professional Possibilities
Chris Gorman ’83
Chris Gorman ’83, Chairman and CEO of KeyBank leads by building trust, looking forward, and ensuring transparency. His Miami experience continues to influence how he builds relationships with others and how he leads his KeyBank team — 17,000 strong from Maine to Alaska — through change.
Alumni Lead With Courage
Sharon Bannister '88
Major General (Retired), U.S. Air Force
“You have to have a true north. I lead with compassion, integrity, a service mind. You have to be aligned with something that matters to you.”
Matt Fitzwater '98
Group Chief Compliance Officer, Barclays
“Growing up in small-town Ohio, I can't say that I was expecting to have a job in finance, or that that job would take me to New York and then on to London, but it has.”
Brian Niccol '96
Chairman and CEO, Starbucks Coffee Company
“I wouldn't be where I am today if not for going to Miami and having professors who pointed me in the direction of the career that I'm in today.”
John Harbaugh '84
Head Coach, New York Giants
"I learned the value of relationships, learned the value of great teachers, great coaches. But probably more than anything, what I think I learned at Miami was just the value of persistence."
Elite Public Excellence. Unrivaled Outcomes.
Top 15
Public University for Producing Fortune 500 CEOs
Academic Influence
No. 2
Among National Public Universities for Excellence in Teaching Undergraduates
U.S. News & World Report
Miamians have won 93 national fellowships since 2022
More Than any Other Public University in Ohio
Students Learn With Purpose
Abijah Bing '27
Architecture
“My leadership has definitely grown since I’ve come here. I’m most passionate about helping people. I like making sure people feel seen and heard and acknowledging their dignity.”
Katie Dunn '26
Social Work
“I see myself as wanting to be a public servant. So, having that recognized at the university level and then by the Truman Foundation was tremendous and really validating.”
Eddie Thant '27
Mechanical Engineering
“As president of Miami’s Engineers Without Borders chapter, I think a leader is someone who leads by example, who not only cares about the organization, but also cares about people.”
Kirsten Osteboe '26
Diplomacy and Global Politics
“Being a leader, you get the opportunity to sit at a table where a lot of students might not have a seat. And that means you have the responsibility to make sure those voices are represented.”
Jacob Farmer '27
Business Economics, Business Analytics
“Leadership isn’t just the role you're in, but it’s taking initiative and helping others. I've grown into leadership by seeing the initiative that others take and learning to take it myself.”
Ready to Achieve
For more than 200 years, Miami has worked to open a universe of possibilities for our students. Forever evolving to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world, Miami prepares graduates to learn with purpose, lead with courage, and achieve greatness.
Be Ready For What's Next
Degree Programs
Miami's majors, minors, and graduate programs prepare students to lead in every field. Mentorship from faculty and real-world, hands-on experiences transform theoretical knowledge into decisive action.
Centers and Institutes
Hubs of expertise, such as the Isaac and Oxley Center for Business Leadership, the Lilly Leadership Institute, and the Wilks Institute for Leadership and Service help students build networks and develop leadership skills.
Government Relations Network
The Government Relations Network equips the Miami community to advocate for the value of higher education. Students from all majors take part in activities that introduce them to public officials and the policy-development process.
Career Exploration and Success
The Center for Career Exploration and Success empowers students to optimize their professional and personal potential, connect with employers and the Miami career community, and embark on meaningful career paths.
Apply and Attend
Realizing your full potential begins at Miami. Start your leadership journey now.
Tour Our Campuses
See our campuses and locations, visit classes, and talk to faculty members during your student-led tour.