Miami University is a public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the second-oldest university in Ohio and the tenth-oldest public university in the United States. The institution derives its name from its proximity to the Miami Valley, which is named after the Myaamia people, and it maintains a significant relationship with the sovereign Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, extending beyond typical partnerships to foster cultural and educational ties. From its early days, Miami University has cultivated an atmosphere of student collegiality and support, evidenced by the establishment of literary societies in 1825-26, sororities, honorary societies, athletic teams, musical and theater groups, and alumni organizations. The university's first classes began on November 1, 1824, with 20 students meeting in the chapel under President Robert Hamilton Bishop and two faculty members.

The university enrolls over 18,000 students across its main campus in Oxford and regional campuses in Hamilton, Middletown, and West Chester, Ohio. It also operates the international John E. Dolibois European Center in Differdange, Luxembourg, providing study abroad opportunities. Miami University is renowned for its academic excellence and has produced numerous political figures, contributing to its reputation as a cradle for influential leaders. The campus supports a vibrant student life, including the Miami University Glee Club, founded in 1907 by Professor Raymond H. Burke, which is one of the oldest and largest groups of its kind in the nation, performing both on campus and internationally with around 80 auditioned singers.

Miami University's centers and institutes facilitate research, consulting, and development partnerships with external organizations, benefiting students and faculty. Its alumni have founded numerous companies, as tracked by platforms like Crunchbase, highlighting the institution's impact on entrepreneurship and innovation. The university's history of student engagement underscores its commitment to holistic education, from early literary societies to modern global initiatives.