Austin Community College District (ACC) welcomes Miriam A. Smith (she/her) as the college’s new Vice Chancellor of Advancement & Executive Director of the ACC Foundation. Her first day will be Monday, March 3. 

In the newly appointed position, Smith will lead all aspects of fundraising and donor engagement efforts, focusing on growing and maintaining the College’s relationships with stakeholders to increase philanthropic support for ACC. The new vice chancellor of advancement will oversee efforts to significantly increase financial contributions for the College and its vision.

“I’m so excited to welcome Miriam to ACC. This role is vital to our future, and she brings the passion and experience raising significant and transformative funds needed to make a real difference,” says ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “Fundraising isn’t just about dollars—it’s about opening doors, changing lives. Miriam will play a critical role in this work to secure the resources for all of our students, including our goal of making free tuition for everyone a reality.”

“I am honored to join Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart and his team, and I am excited to lead the Advancement initiatives supporting Austin Community College’s goals and vision,” says Smith. “I look forward to building strong relationships with students, alumni, donors, faculty, staff, members of the community, and business and government leaders who support and champion the institution.”

Smith previously worked at Columbia College Chicago, where she served in multiple roles supporting donor and alumni relations — most recently as the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations. She also worked with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as the Director of Corporate Relations, the Grady Health Foundation, the Fashion Institute of Technology, Manhattanville College, Sarah Lawrence College, and Columbia Artists Management.

In these roles, Smith created and managed fundraising efforts such as annual giving programs that resulted in a 20% increase. During her tenure, she also led strategic initiatives that raised more than $1.5 million in scholarship support and guided a $22 million capital campaign.

“We held an extensive national search and looked at over 70 qualified applicants, and Miriam rose to the top,” says Lowery-Hart. “Her passion and vision stood out at every stage—from interviews with our search committee to public presentations and meaningful conversations with our ACC family. Miriam’s energy and character fit with the dynamic vision we’ve created for the ACC Foundation and the college community. I am confident she will make a tremendous impact, and I look forward to the work we will accomplish together in service of our students and community.” 

Among her first priorities, Smith says she plans to quickly develop a deeper understanding of ACC by visiting the institution’s campuses and centers and meeting with key internal and external stakeholders.

Smith earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College and holds a Master of Music in Opera from Binghamton University. She also has served on the Board of Directors for the Ladies of Virtue, Chicago Composers Orchestra, and Sarah Lawrence College Alumni Board. 

She describes herself as personable, tenacious, energetic, innovative, detail-oriented, and a servant leader. She loves music and art and enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and Labrador retriever. She is excited to explore all things Austin.