Brian Hemphill

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., Old Dominion University’s ninth president, effective July 1, 2021, is an unwavering champion for access and opportunity, as well as innovation and research, with a deep commitment to forward-focused leadership. President Hemphill leads Old Dominion University with a steadfast dedication to excellence, accountability, transparency, and—most importantly—student success. Working in close collaboration with the campus community, as well as business and industry, he is focused on expanding partnerships and creating new opportunities to advance the institution, the region, and the Commonwealth of Virginia through entrepreneurial and innovative approaches. A devoted public servant and steward of Old Dominion University and the commonwealth, President Hemphill serves on a variety of boards and commissions and represents the university nationally through active involvement in organizations and advocacy efforts, while remaining deeply engaged at the state and regional levels. President Hemphill’s path to Old Dominion University includes leadership roles at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Northern Illinois University, West Virginia State University—where he served as the 10th President—and Radford University, where he served as the seventh President. At Radford University, he built lasting relationships across the commonwealth as the institution experienced historic growth in programmatic diversification, infrastructure improvements, and philanthropic giving. President Hemphill serves on the John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Board of Directors. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, a Master of Science degree from Iowa State University of Science and Technology, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Augustine’s University. A published author, his work addresses gun violence and threat preparedness on college campuses, financial challenges in higher education, and STEM- and economic-related issues. He coedited College in the Crosshairs: An Administrative Perspective on Prevention of Gun Violence and is a sought-after keynote speaker and panelist nationwide. President Hemphill shares his life with his wife, Dr. Marisela Rosas Hemphill, Old Dominion University’s First Lady. They are the proud parents of teenage twins, Catalina and Cruz, and two adult children, Jada and Jordan. The Hemphill family resides in the Jacobson House and actively engages on campus and in the community in support of their fellow Monarchs.