Miami Student Life Welcomes Director for Strategic Operations and Initiatives
The Division of Student Life has welcomed Gracie Herbert '13 as its inaugural director of strategic operations and initiatives, a new role designed to help advance the division’s priorities through innovation, coordination, and recognition.
The Division of Student Life has welcomed Gracie Herbert '13 as its inaugural director of strategic operations and initiatives, a new role designed to help advance the division’s priorities through innovation, coordination, and recognition. The position aims to move strategic ideas into action by ensuring key initiatives are implemented in ways that strengthen the student experience and overall student success.
In this role, Herbert will manage divisional assessment and data efforts, grant exploration and funding, student and staff recognition programs, onboarding initiatives, and strategic projects.
"We needed a position to help us more intentionally move complex projects across the finish line," said Gwen Fears, assistant vice president for transition, assessment, and planning. "We're so excited to have Gracie in this role."
Herbert brings extensive experience in donor engagement, project management, and recognition programming to the role. Most recently, she served as associate director of donor engagement here at Miami. Prior to Miami, she worked in development with the YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley .
Herbert is a Miami University alumna. She also holds a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from Louisiana State University in Shreveport and is finishing up a master’s degree in educational leadership in higher education at Harvard Graduate School of Education
“I’m inspired by Student Life’s commitment to creating transformational and inclusive environments where students and staff can thrive,” Herbert said. “This role brings together my background in strategic operations, recognition, and stewardship in a way that directly supports the student experience. I’m excited to partner with colleagues across campus to help turn strong ideas into meaningful action."
Herbert began her role on Jan. 5, 2026.
