Embracing Change and Transformation and Ensuring Excellence and Success at Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ

Dear Fellow Monarchs:

Recently, the Board of Visitors issued a statement reaffirming its confidence in the leadership and strategic direction of Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ following a Faculty Senate vote related to the implementation of a component of Forward-Focused Digital Transformation. I am grateful to the Board for its continued support and recognition of the transformational progress our 91¶ÌÊÓƵ has achieved in recent years.

Universities thrive when ideas are discussed openly and respectfully. Students, faculty, staff, and administrators all bring important perspectives to the work of shaping the future of our institution. At the same time, leadership carries the responsibility to ensure that Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ continues to evolve in ways that best serve our students and the communities that depend on us. That responsibility is the foundation of Forward-Focused Digital Transformation.

Across the country, higher education is facing profound change. Demographic shifts, workforce disruption, technological advancement, and new expectations from learners are reshaping how universities must operate in order to remain accessible, relevant, and competitive. Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ has chosen to meet this moment not by standing still, but by leading.

Through Forward-Focused Digital Transformation, we are redesigning how the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ supports students, delivers programs, and connects learning to career opportunity. This work reflects the leadership of many across the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, including the Provost, the Vice President of Digital Transformation and Technology, and numerous faculty and staff who are helping to shape the future of Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.

At its heart, this transformation is about students. Many of the learners we serve today are balancing work, family responsibilities, military service, and other commitments, while pursuing their education. Our academic models must reflect those realities, while preserving the rigor, quality, and intellectual integrity that define Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.

Early indicators suggest that this approach is resonating with the students we seek to serve. Applications and admissions in several online programs are trending significantly upward, reinforcing the importance to innovate how we deliver high-quality education.We will continue moving forward with this work, because preparing Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ for the future requires leadership that acts with clarity and conviction.

Transformational change is never simple. Meaningful progress often invites robust debate, strong opinions, and difficult conversations. That is part of the process of institutional evolution. What matters most is that we remain focused on the mission that unites us by expanding opportunity, advancing knowledge, and preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world.

Over the past five years, our campus community has achieved remarkable milestones together. We attained Research 1 status, expanded our research enterprise, strengthened philanthropic support, integrated Eastern Virginia Medical School into Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, and launched one of the most ambitious institutional transformations in our history. These achievements reflect the dedication of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters who strengthen the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.

As we move forward, my commitment remains the same: to lead Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ through a student-centered approach with respect for the perspectives of our campus community and with a clear vision for the future. The future of Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ is bright, and I am proud of the work we are doing together to ensure that our institution continues to thrive for generations of Monarchs to come!

With Monarch Pride,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President