Wright State names executive director of alumni relations

During his tenure, Scharer developed Ohio University’s award-winning Global Ambassadors Network to recruit international students; planned the largest Black Alumni Reunion in the history of the university; and increased giving to the Alumni Association endowments by over 100 percent.

Greg Scharer, senior director for alumni relations and development at Ohio University, has been named executive director of alumni relations at Wright State University, effective September 6.

Scharer will replace Susan Smith, who is retiring August 31 after 13 years as executive director.

“I am pleased to welcome Greg to our alumni relations team,” said Rebecca Cole, vice president for advancement and president of the Wright State University Foundation. “At Ohio University, Greg built their alumni networks and associated programs to their greatest levels in the history of their Alumni Association. I have no doubt that Greg will do the same at Wright State.”

Scharer joined Ohio University in 2005 as director of alumni campus relations and advocacy, and became senior director for alumni relations and development in 2008. During his tenure, Scharer developed Ohio University’s award-winning Global Ambassadors Network to recruit international students; planned the largest Black Alumni Reunion in the history of the university; and increased giving to the Alumni Association endowments by over 100 percent.

In 2010, Scharer was selected as a Forman Fellow by the Council for Alumni Association Executives—one of the most prestigious awards for alumni relations professionals.

Prior to joining Ohio University, Scharer served as program director and government affairs chair for the Mental Health Association in Rockville, Maryland. From 1994 to 2003, he was co-owner, founder, and president of A Touch of Class Entertainment in Dayton, Ohio.

Scharer earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Consumer Sciences from Ohio University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland. Scharer and his wife, Diane, have three daughters.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Wright State University and building on the strong foundation Susan Smith, the alumni relations staff, and the Alumni Association Board of Directors have established,” said Scharer. “I am honored to be joining such an innovative and forward-thinking university at a very exciting time in its history, and looking forward to working with the nearly 100,000 Raider alumni to deepen their connection to the university.”