Barbara A. Mieras, senior vice president for major gifts at Davenport University, has received the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award from the Michigan State University College of Education Alumni Association.
Mieras was honored for more than 25 years of contributions to higher education during an Awards Reception on April 3, 2009 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. She was nominated by Jacqueline D. Taylor, a fellow College of Education graduate and CEO of Taylor Global Consultants in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Mieras, who received her Ph.D. in college and university administration from MSU in 1990, moved through the ranks at Davenport to eventually become CEO and COO. During that time, she oversaw 12 campuses.
In 1998, she became president of Davenport University-Western Region (formerly Davenport College). Major accomplishments in that role included Davenport’s largest capital campaign exceeding its goal, improving student retention and increasing the foundation’s assets to over $9 million. Those successful fund-raising efforts led to her current position – in which more than $25 million has been raised for student scholarships, facilities expansion and academic program enhancements.
A former business education teacher and career education coordinator, Mieras knows firsthand how education can lead to economic and personal gain. She has deep involvement in her community and, in 1999, was recognized as one of the 50 most influential women in West Michigan.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to MSU College of Education alumni who have made significant contributions to their profession, community and educational organizations through recognized leadership.