Strategic higher education and economic development leader joins Maryville to expand partnerships, advance fundraising, and drive collaborative growth.
[ST. LOUIS, MO – October 9, 2025] – Maryville University has appointed Dr. Shawn Naccarato as its new Senior Vice President for Business and Institutional Development, effective October 15. Naccarato brings more than two decades of experience leading strategic partnerships and economic development initiatives in higher education, with a strong record of securing major investments and building collaborative alliances that expand access and impact.
Naccarato joins Maryville from Pittsburg State University, where he currently serves as Vice President for Research and Economic Development. Over his 18-year tenure, he has held several key leadership roles, including Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Director for the Center for Innovation and Business Development. In each capacity, Naccarato helped drive initiatives that united academic innovation with community growth.
“Shawn brings deep experience in building transformative partnerships that align mission, innovation, and community impact,” said Dan Shipp, president of Maryville University. “His ability to connect people, ideas, and opportunities will help strengthen Maryville’s capacity to serve students and communities through collaboration, generosity, and shared purpose.”
At Maryville, Naccarato will lead efforts to expand fundraising, business development, and external partnerships, working closely with Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, Laraine Davis, and her team to strengthen both annual and long-term giving. He will also oversee the continued evolution of MaryvilleWORKS, a key component of the University’s portfolio of learning that connect individuals with career pathways and workforce opportunities.
A native of Kansas and a proud advocate for regional growth, Naccarato has dedicated his career to bridging the worlds of education, business, and public service. His approach to leadership centers on collaboration and community engagement—principles reflected in his work fostering economic development, government relations, and innovation ecosystems at Pittsburg State.
“Throughout my career, I’ve seen how progress happens when people work together toward a shared vision,” Naccarato said. “Maryville’s commitment to partnership and purpose deeply resonates with me, and I look forward to helping strengthen the University’s connections with the broader community to create new opportunities for students and the region.”
Naccarato holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Saint Louis University, as well as a Juris Doctor and Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri–Columbia. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Pittsburg State University, where his journey in higher education leadership began.
This appointment reflects Maryville’s continued focus on collaboration, innovation, and shared growth. As the University advances its mission to expand access and opportunity for learners of all backgrounds, leaders like Naccarato embody the spirit of collective progress—one rooted not in competition, but in the belief that lasting change is achieved together.
About Maryville University
Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of well over 9,000 students. Maryville offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. Maryville is recognized as the third fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from 50 states and 56 countries. More than 50,000 Maryville alumni globally, many of whom work and live in the St. Louis region.