April 29, 2026
Shawnee State University has appointed Tyler Walters as Chief Advancement Officer, expanding his leadership responsibilities within the university.
In this role, Walters will oversee the Office of Development and advancing major project initiatives through capital campaigns, annual funds, major gifts, planned gifts, alumni engagement, athletics resource cultivation, and private grants.
Walters will also serve as the primary leadership contact to cultivate and maintain relationships with strategic business and industrial partners. He will also work with Executive Director of the SSU Foundation to maintain strong donor relations.
“As Shawnee State continues to build momentum, Mr. Walters' leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our advancement strategy,” SSU President Eric Andrew Braun said. “His experience and commitment to our mission make him the ideal person to lead our advancement efforts as we continue to grow partnerships, expand opportunities, and invest in the future of our students and region.”
In his former role as Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives at Shawnee, Tyler has built relationships with regional healthcare partners to address critical workforce shortages throughout south central Ohio. He brings more than 25 years of experience in leadership, finance, budget management, workforce development, and strategic planning to this role. Before joining Shawnee State, he served as Chief Operating Officer with Mercy Health West Hospital in Cincinnati, Chief Financial Officer with Bon Secours Kentucky Health System, and Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Shawnee Mental Health in Portsmouth.
Walters holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Marshall University and a Master of Business Administration from Morehead State University.
“Shawnee State is in a strong position for continued growth, and I’m proud to be part of that progress,” Walters said. “I look forward to working with our campus and community partners to expand engagement and support initiatives that have a lasting impact on our students and region.”
As Chief Advancement Officer, Walters will play a key role in advancing the university’s mission by leading the institution's philanthropic operations including donor and alumni relations, strategic capital engagement, and stewardship.