Media Contact:
Tara G. Cunningham
Dillard University
tcunningham@dillard.edu
(504) 816-4024
NEW ORLEANS — Dillard University proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Darvelle Hutchins as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. In this executive role, Dr. Hutchins will lead the Office of Institutional Advancement, overseeing fundraising, communications, community and government relations, marketing, alumni relations, and strategic partnerships to further strengthen Dillard’s legacy of academic distinction, community impact, and social responsibility. He will report directly to President Monique Guillory and serve on her executive cabinet.
As Vice President, Dr. Hutchins will guide the development of a comprehensive advancement and communications strategy that deepens stakeholder engagement, expands philanthropic partnerships, and amplifies Dillard’s national profile. His leadership will play a central role in positioning Dillard for long-term growth and alignment with the university’s mission to cultivate leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. “Dr. Hutchins is an exceptional strategist who understands the soul of institutions,” said President Monique Guillory. “He brings both analytical precision and deep cultural awareness to his work. His ability to build trust, align teams, and communicate vision will be essential as Dillard moves into its next chapter.”
A nationally recognized scholar and practitioner, Dr. Hutchins has spent his career helping organizations understand and transform their cultures. Before joining Dillard, he served as Vice President of Social Impact & Culture for GMB Management LLC, the parent company of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, where he led organizational culture and community impact strategies across both teams. His leadership advanced equity-focused initiatives, charitable giving, employee engagement programs, supplier inclusion, and player-driven partnerships recognized nationally for their innovation and depth.
Across the Gulf South and beyond, Dr. Hutchins has guided universities, hospitals, and public institutions through complex cultural change. As a consultant and educator, he has led culture and trust assessments, taught communication studies at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, and cultural intelligence for the U.S. Army. His work bridges research and practice, centering on how institutions bridge differences, build trust, and align around shared purpose.
Dr. Hutchins holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Communication from the University of Missouri. His research examines culture, power, and stigmatized identities, focusing on how organizations bridge differences and cultivate trust during times of transition. That expertise continues to inform his leadership philosophy at Dillard, where he views strategy and culture as inseparable forces shaping institutional success. “I am honored to serve Dillard University and to build upon its mission,” said Dr. Hutchins. “My commitment is to strengthen our story, deepen our impact, and ensure that every member of our community feels seen and valued in the future we are creating together.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Hutchins is an author and proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., reflecting his lifelong dedication to scholarship, service, and brotherhood. His work is guided by a belief that culture is both the foundation and future of organizational success.
Under Dr. Hutchins’ leadership, the Division of Institutional Advancement will focus on expanding major gifts and endowment growth, deepening alumni and community partnerships, enhancing the university’s digital and public visibility, and cultivating a culture of accountability and collaboration across the institution.
