A New Academic Year, a New Leader, and the Road Ahead

By David Simpson and Annette Finley-Croswhite

The Center for Faculty Development is happy to welcome Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's new president, Dr. Brian O. Hemphill, and first lady, Dr. Marisela Rosas Hemphill.

Since arriving over the summer, President Hemphill has visited ODU divisions, met with alumni around the commonwealth and outlined key principles that will guide the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's path forward: excellence, accountability, transparency and being student-centered in all ways. Among his priorities are enrollment growth; diversity, equity and inclusion; and a relaunch of the strategic planning process.

At the New Faculty Orientation held on Aug. 18, President Hemphill encouraged new faculty to: 1) take advantage of every opportunity to engage at ODU, whatever one's interest or passion; 2) look for opportunities to interact with students beyond the classroom; 3) join in the journey to promote student success and well-being; and 4) help tell the ODU story as the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ moves to better brand and market itself as an institution.

President Hemphill was previously president of Radford 91¶ÌÊÓƵ. Before that, he was president of West Virginia 91¶ÌÊÓƵ 91¶ÌÊÓƵ and vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Northern Illinois 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.

He earned his bachelor's degree in organizational communication from Saint Augustine's 91¶ÌÊÓƵ in Raleigh, North Carolina; his master's in journalism and mass communication from Iowa 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, and his doctorate in higher education administration and policy studies from the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ of Iowa.

He is married to Dr. Marisela Rosas Hemphill, who advocates providing students with multicultural and global experiences. She earned her doctorate in student affairs administration and research from the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ of Iowa, and her past positions include director of student activities at Colgate 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.

President Hemphill is highly visible. Don't be surprised to see him at venues all over campus. Teaching and research faculty should note that an open forum to meet with him has been announced for Sept. 8 at noon and Sept. 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the Big Blue Room at Chartway Arena.