Gracie Herbert is a higher education advancement leader with extensive experience in donor relations, strategic stewardship, and community engagement. Focusing on mission-driven programming, she has led initiatives that strengthen institutional storytelling, enhance donor experiences, and cultivate meaningful connections across diverse constituencies. She currently serves as Associate Director of Donor Engagement at Miami University, where she manages strategic stewardship efforts, oversees individualized donor engagement programs, and collaborates with senior leadership to advance philanthropic priorities.
Gracie holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from Louisiana State University Shreveport and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Ceramics from Miami University. She is also a candidate for a Master of Education in Educational Leadership with a focus on higher education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, with anticipated completion in May 2026. This academic foundation enables her to integrate theory, research-based practice, and applied knowledge into her professional practice. Her combined expertise in fundraising strategy, constituent engagement, and organizational communication positions her to support institutions committed to serving communities of individuals through educational opportunities.
Prior to transitioning into higher education, Gracie maintained her own studio practice in ceramics and served as Supply Store Manager at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts from 2018 to 2021. In this role, she oversaw daily retail operations, managed the Artist Showcase Gallery, and collaborated closely with program staff to ensure effective material coordination for national and regional workshops. Currently, she has traded her pottery wheel for a floor loom that allows her to continue a practice of craft within the confines of her home. With a deep appreciation for the arts, handcraft, and community-based learning, Gracie remains an advocate for creative experiences that preserve craft traditions and provide equitable access to all individuals.