Undergraduate excellence, the teacher-scholar-model, and the opportunity to work with talented students and faculty were just a few of the things that drew Trent Gould to Miami University.

The night before his in-person interview, Gould took a stroll around Miami’s Oxford campus and watched it spring to life. Even though temperatures had dropped that early March evening, the campus teemed with students who were heading to dining halls, the Rec Center, or to on-campus events.

That night made an impression on Gould, further strengthening the vision he had of himself becoming part of the university.

Miami has named Gould as its next provost and executive vice president for academic affairs following a nationwide search, the university announced on Friday.

“It was so charming. It took me back to my own college days,” Gould said. “I saw the whole campus community come alive with students. My campus experience, coupled with Miami’s reputation for academic excellence, really reinforced my desire to be a part of this distinctive institution. I am excited to work with the students and faculty that make this place so special.”

Gould joins Miami from The University of Southern Mississippi, where he currently serves as dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences and professor in the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition.

He will begin his new role at Miami on July 1.

“We are thrilled to welcome Trent Gould as the new provost of Miami University,” Miami President Gregory Crawford said. “Trent brings a vision of transformational leadership to our university, as well as recognized excellence as a researcher and scholar. His forward-focus approach and vast experience as an administrator will play an important role in Miami’s commitment to supporting the success of our students and faculty.”

Gould began his career at Southern Miss in 2003 as assistant professor and director of the Athletic Training Education Program. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University in 1998 before obtaining a Master of Science in Physical Education and Doctor of Philosophy, both from Ohio University.

As dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences, Gould oversaw enrollment growth of 12.2%. He also helped establish both the Office of Research Support Services and Office of Student Success in this college at Southern Miss, the former of which resulted in an 82% increase in total dollars proposed and a 193% increase in total dollars awarded.

He’s published more than 80 papers, book chapters, journal abstracts, and conference papers, as well as generated over $10 million in research funding.

A first-generation college student, Gould grew up in Southington, Ohio, attending Chalker High School with a graduating class of 60.

“I wanted to work with students,” Gould said. “I love being a teacher, and I care about public education, whether it’s K-12 or higher ed. I had this kind of intellectual curiosity about how the world worked and how the body worked, and that drew me into a career in higher education and the discipline of kinesiology.”

Working with MiamiTHRIVE, the university’s strategic plan, also intrigued Gould.

In 23 years at Southern Miss, 18 spent as an administrator, Gould counts execution and change management among his strengths.

"Much of the work I’ve led at Southern Miss, particularly around research, external partnerships, and student success, translates well to division-wide strategy and will support continued momentum under MiamiTHRIVE,” Gould said. “The vision and goals at Miami are deeply motivating.”

Returning to Ohio was also a plus. Gould and his wife, Kristy, met as undergraduate students at Bowling Green. They are “Falcon Flames,” which Gould compares to the Miami Merger tradition.

His wife’s family also has strong ties to Miami. Her brother, John Sheldon, graduated in 2000, while her father, David Sheldon, played third base for Miami’s baseball team and graduated in 1967. Kristy Gould’s grandparents also graduated from Miami (John Sheldon, 1941) and Western College for Women (Elvera Koski, 1942).

Gould already has some early goals in mind once he starts his new role.

“I have a lot of listening to do,” he said. “How do we fit into MiamiTHRIVE? What areas can we collaborate on and strengthen the university? How do we elevate research and keep the core values of our undergraduate excellence? How do we champion students? I’ll be paying a lot of attention to these areas early on.”

Chris Makaroff has served as interim provost since April 2025. He replaced Elizabeth Mullenix, who stepped down as provost to return to teaching in the College of Creative Arts.

Making a positive impact on students, faculty, the university, and society is at the root of what drew Gould to higher ed.

It’s also what keeps driving him on his career path.

“There are exceptional people at Miami — talented faculty and staff, outstanding students, and the resources to support their success — all aligned behind a president with a clear vision,” Gould said. “Our work will be to bring those elements together in intentional ways that drive meaningful and lasting impact.”

Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg.