Scott Barrett begins his role as Miami University’s vice president of University Advancement on July 1.

As a first-generation student at Hamilton College, Scott Barrett saw firsthand how transformational higher education could be.

It was at Hamilton, located in Clinton, New York, where Barrett also received his introduction to the world of fundraising with a work-study position in the college’s advancement office.

That, too, was part of an eye-opening experience about how a university’s advancement team can serve as a catalyst for positive change. It was also the first step on a career path that’s been especially rewarding for Barrett, who begins his role as Miami University’s vice president of University Advancement on July 1.

“Scott offers tremendous experience and insight gained throughout a highly successful career in fundraising that has spanned annual giving, major gifts, alumni relations, and more,” Miami University President Gregory Crawford said. “I am confident that Scott’s leadership will continue to move Miami forward as we near the goal of $1 billion for our For Love. For Honor. For Those Who Will. capital campaign.”

President Crawford also praised Jill Gaby, who has led University Advancement as interim vice president since Brad Bundy’s retirement in July 2025.

“We are extremely grateful for Jill’s leadership and guidance this past year,” President Crawford said. “Jill maintained the university’s strong momentum that has steadily built during the course of the campaign.”

Barrett joins Miami from Stony Brook University, where he most recently served as interim vice president for University Advancement and interim executive director of the Stony Brook Foundation.

At Stony Brook, Barrett led an advancement team in raising more than $1.1 billion in total gifts and pledges. He also held advancement and leadership positions at California State University-Dominguez Hills, Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Le Moyne College, Hamilton College, and the Bassett Healthcare Network, an affiliate of Columbia University.

“There is a real enthusiasm for where Miami is today and where the university is heading,” Barrett said. “It’s a very exciting time to be joining Miami. There is a lot of good work ahead.”

During Barrett’s visits to Oxford, he was struck by the stewardship at Miami, from maintaining the beauty of the campus to the strong support offered to students.

“Miami has an enthusiastic advancement team doing great work and performing for the university at a high level,” Barrett said. “As we close out the current campaign, we will look to continue elevating advancement at the university in a way that is sustainable into the future.”

Barrett earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Hamilton in 1990. Following his graduation, Barrett did paralegal work for a large firm in New York City before eventually returning to his alma mater to work in its advancement office.

He soon found ways to help provide opportunities for students and faculty.

“There are an amazing number of stories at Miami that illustrate the incredible impact philanthropy has had on students, on faculty, and the community,” he said. “I know from my own experience how that changes institutions and how it changes lives.”