Previously, Dr. Hilton served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, as well as Associate Professor of Education, at Southern University at New Orleans. His leadership at Southern University was marked by a commitment to student success, retention, and institutional growth. Prior to this, he was Dean of Students and Diversity Officer at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA, where he spearheaded several key areas, including Housing and Residential Life, Community Standards, First-Year & Transition Programs, Diversity & Inclusion, and International Student Services.

Throughout his career, Dr. Hilton has held numerous influential positions, each of which contributed to his development as a transformative leader. He served as Director of the Webster University Myrtle Beach Metropolitan Extended Campus, Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to the President at Grambling State University, and Assistant Professor and Director of the Higher Education Student Affairs Program at Western Carolina University. His innovative leadership was further demonstrated during his time as the inaugural Assistant Vice President for Inclusion Initiatives at Grand Valley State University, where he launched initiatives aimed at advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the campus community.

Dr. Hilton’s impact extends beyond traditional higher education administration. He has held key roles at Upper Iowa University, including Executive Assistant to the President, Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees, and adjunct faculty member. His leadership as the University’s first Chief Diversity Officer underscored his commitment to fostering inclusive environments. He also made significant contributions as a Frederick Douglass Teaching Scholar at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where he designed and taught innovative academic programs.

A scholar and thought leader, Dr. Hilton has made substantial contributions to research in higher education, particularly in areas of student development, inclusion, and diversity. His research has been published in top-tier journals such as Teachers College Record, Journal of College Student Development, Community College Review, and Journal of Applied Research in the Community College. His scholarship has earned him a respected voice in the field, including membership on the editorial board of the Journal of Negro Education.

Dr. Hilton’s influence extends beyond academia into the realm of public policy. As the first Public Policy Fellow at the Greater Baltimore Committee, he collaborated with civic and business leaders to advocate for policies addressing regional concerns, including access to healthcare. His ability to bridge higher education with broader community issues further exemplifies his versatility as a leader.

A highly educated and accomplished professional, Dr. Hilton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Morehouse College, a Master of Applied Social Science in Public Administration from Florida A&M University, an MBA from Webster University, and a PhD in Higher Education Administration from Morgan State University.

Adriel A. Hilton’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to student success, diversity, and higher education leadership. His expansive body of work continues to shape the future of educational environments and policies, and his influence will be felt for years to come.