Dillard University has announced the appointment of two new vice presidents, marking a major milestone in its leadership expansion and institutional strategy. Dr. Darvelle Hutchins has been named Vice President for Institutional Advancement, while Dexter I. Odom will serve as Vice President for Business and Finance as well as Chief Financial Officer. The news, first reported by The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, signals Dillard’s continued commitment to strategic growth across academic, financial, and community engagement priorities. These appointments come at a pivotal time for the HBCU sector, as universities across the country work to secure top talent and expand institutional capacity.
Dr. Darvelle Hutchins to Lead Advancement and Community Strategy
As one of Dillard University’s new vice presidents, Dr. Darvelle Hutchins will oversee the university’s institutional advancement, marketing, alumni relations, and strategic partnerships. Hutchins brings a wealth of experience in cultural strategy, organizational transformation, and leadership development. Before joining Dillard, he served as Vice President of Social Impact & Culture at GMB Management LLC—the parent company of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans—where he led initiatives centered on equity, supplier inclusion, and employee engagement. In his new position, Hutchins will help advance Dillard’s mission to cultivate ethical leaders through philanthropy, brand visibility, and alumni involvement. According to Dillard University’s official announcement, he will also spearhead efforts to build stronger community partnerships that elevate Dillard’s national profile.
Dexter I. Odom to Oversee Finance and Operations
Dexter I. Odom, CPA, MBA, joins Dillard as Vice President for Business and Finance and Chief Financial Officer, bringing more than four decades of experience in higher-education finance and strategic management. Odom previously served as Senior Associate Vice President and CFO at Tuskegee University, where he successfully managed nearly $600 million in assets, led a historic financial turnaround, and doubled the institution’s reserves. As one of Dillard University’s new vice presidents, Odom will focus on fiscal stability, long-term budgeting, and enterprise resource planning. Dillard University News highlighted that Odom’s expertise in operational sustainability and grants administration will play a critical role in advancing Dillard’s future infrastructure and scholarship initiatives.
Strengthening Dillard’s Vision for the Future
Dillard University President Monique Guillory expressed enthusiasm for the appointments, noting that both leaders embody the vision and drive needed to guide the institution into its next era. “Dr. Hutchins and Mr. Odom bring deep experience, creativity, and dedication to the work of building a sustainable and thriving Dillard,” Guillory said. These additions also reflect a broader shift among HBCUs toward balancing innovation with financial stewardship—an approach that continues to define the sector’s growth. Recent leadership moves at other HBCUs, such as Spelman College and Tuskegee University, show a similar emphasis on combining advancement strategy with solid fiscal governance.
What These Appointments Mean for HBCUs
By adding two dynamic executives, Dillard University demonstrates how intentional leadership appointments can strengthen both the institution’s internal operations and its national influence. The combination of a communications strategist and a seasoned CFO ensures that Dillard can tell its story more effectively while managing its resources more strategically. For the broader HBCU community, this model may inspire other universities to adopt a dual-focus approach—prioritizing culture and capital equally. As HBCUs continue to expand academic programs, invest in technology, and pursue record-breaking fundraising goals, leadership alignment like this becomes a critical factor for long-term sustainability.