The Office of Institutional Advancement is responsible for a wide range of functions including sponsored research and programs, governmental relations, development, communications and marketing, alumni relations, the capital campaign for Dillard University, community and economic development and coordinated responsibility for the University Budget Committee and the Dillard Strategic planning process. 

Walter L. Strong, Ph.D. is Dillard's Executive Vice President with direct administrative authority for this post in addition to serving as the second ranking official in the University.