Gregory Simmons named as Vice President of Advancement

Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez has named Gregory Simmons as Vice President of Advancement effective Nov. 4, 2024. 

Simmons served in various capacities at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) for over three decades, most recently as their Vice President of Institutional Advancement.  

“Greg Simmons believes deeply in the critical importance of public universities, and he recognizes Ohio University’s distinctive excellence,” President Gonzalez said. “With his higher education background, philanthropic experience, determination and character, Greg is uniquely prepared to serve as our vice president for advancement. We are extremely excited for him to join the OHIO team.”

At UMBC, Simmons launched and completed the Grit and Greatness Campaign, raising more than $189 million and significantly exceeding the university’s $150 million goal. He led all elements of the university’s comprehensive advancement organization including fundraising, alumni and stakeholder engagement.

During his tenure, UMBC reimagined its Alumni Association from a committed but unproductive resource to a fully engaged advisory board that has built signature events, helped launch a national alumni engagement strategy, and aggressively worked to build an endowed scholarship fund. Corporate and foundation work has also been an important part of UMBC’s strategy, and under Simmons’ leadership built lasting, multi-year partnerships with local and national corporations and foundations.

Simmons and his wife, Angela, are looking forward to becoming part of the Ohio University community. 

“Ohio University is a remarkable university with a rich tradition and is clearly on an exciting trajectory under President Gonzalez’s leadership,” Simmons said. “I am excited to join the team and help to advance the University’s Dynamic Strategies.”

Simmons received a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from UMBC and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Writing from the Loyola College of Maryland He also completed significant portion of coursework towards a Ph.D. in Language, Literacy and Culture at UMBC.

“I appreciate Dr. Lyn Redington’s strong leadership through her service as interim Vice President of Advancement,” President Gonzalez said. “Her knowledge and expertise in higher education helped to advance the division’s goals during this transition. I offer her my most sincere thanks.”