Adriel A. Hilton, PhD, is a higher education executive, scholar, educator, and public policy professional with more than 23 years of progressive leadership experience across higher education and government. He currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Chancellor at Indiana University Northwest, where he provides strategic counsel and executive level support to the Chancellor and contributes to institutional priorities, organizational initiatives, community engagement, and efforts advancing the university’s mission.
Prior to joining Indiana University Northwest, Dr. Hilton served as Vice President of Institutional Strategy and Chief of Staff at Columbia College Chicago, where he advised the President, co-chaired the institutional strategic planning process, supported Board of Trustees engagement, and helped advance institution wide priorities. Previously, he served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and Associate Professor of Education at Southern University at New Orleans, where first year student retention increased from approximately 25 percent to 58 percent during his leadership. His career also includes leadership and faculty appointments at Seton Hill University, Webster University, Grambling State University, Western Carolina University, Grand Valley State University, and Upper Iowa University.
Dr. Hilton’s experience extends beyond higher education. He served as Director of Programs, Transition and Youth Success Planning for the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families, as a Public Policy Fellow with the Greater Baltimore Committee, and as a Legislative Analyst with the Florida Senate Committee on Education.
A committed scholar-practitioner, Dr. Hilton’s work focuses on higher education leadership, historically Black colleges and universities, African American male achievement, student success, educational policy, equity, and organizational effectiveness. He currently serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Negro Education, Gifted Child Today, and the Journal of Professional and Continuing Studies at Morehouse College.
Dr. Hilton earned degrees from Morehouse College, Florida A&M University, Morgan State University, and Webster University, including a PhD in Higher Education Administration. His career reflects an enduring commitment to strengthening institutions and developing leaders.
