Old Dominion University is pleased to announce that Governor Abigail D. Spanberger has reappointed alumnus, corporate executive and current Rector P. Murry Pitts ’80 of Charlottesville to the University’s Board of Visitors. Rector Pitts will serve a four-year term, continuing his leadership and service through June 30, 2030. First appointed to the Board in 2020 to an unexpired term, Rector Pitts has served in his current leadership role since 2024, steering the University’s governance through a period of historic transformation.
His tenure as Rector has been defined by strong leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting the administration's vision for institutional growth, campus safety and strategic resilience. Under his guidance, the Board successfully approved and championed major administrative priorities, including the historic integration of Eastern Virginia Medical School, thereby establishing Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, which resulted in the Commonwealth’s largest and most robust academic health sciences operation. Rector Pitts has also served as a remarkable advocate and strong supporter of the institution’s aggressive digital transformation initiatives to keep Old Dominion University at the forefront of modern higher education.
"Murry’s strong leadership as Rector and his deep devotion to his beloved alma mater have been vital to Old Dominion University’s upward trajectory," said Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. "His sharp business acumen and dedicated commitment to supporting our administration's vision have guided our strategic goals through monumental milestones and challenging moments alike. We are incredibly fortunate to have his vision steering the Monarch Nation for another four years."
In addition to his leadership on the Board, Rector Pitts brings decades of elite entrepreneurial experience and operational prowess to the table. A 1980 graduate of Old Dominion University, Pitts built a remarkably successful corporate career, notably acquiring several paperboard packaging companies in the late 1980s and transforming them into industry leaders across North America before orchestrating a successful corporate sale in 2015. He subsequently served as Chief Executive Officer of Bobst North America, the global leader in packaging manufacturing equipment.
Demonstrating agility and a people-first leadership philosophy, Rector Pitts also served as Chief Executive Officer of Burlington Medical, where he memorably pivoted manufacturing facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic to supply critical personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline healthcare workers, successfully preserving hundreds of regional jobs. Since 2018, he has provided his expertise to private equity firms, managing domestic and international acquisitions ranging from $50 million to $500 million.
"It is an honor to be reappointed by Governor Spanberger to continue serving Old Dominion University," said Rector Pitts. "As an alumnus, watching Old Dominion University solidify its standing as a top-tier R1 research institution, while remaining deeply connected to the Hampton Roads community and the Commonwealth of Virginia, is deeply rewarding. I look forward to continuing our governance work alongside President Hemphill and my fellow Board members and maintaining a strong commitment to supporting the administration's vision for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, proven adaptability and student success."
With the reappointment of Rector Pitts, Governor Spanberger also appointed four Hampton Roads-based leaders with long-standing tenures and proven results across business, healthcare and government to the Board effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030. They are Robert A. “Rob” Broermann ’80 ’83 of Virginia Beach; Captain Janet H. Days (Ret.) ’99 ’24 of Suffolk; Karla Johnson ’90 ’02 of Williamsburg; and The Honorable Martha Mugler of Hampton.
Additionally, this past spring, Governor Spanberger appointed six members, including two prior members, to fill unexpired terms due to vacancies. They are Robert S. “Bob” Corn of Springfield; Peter G. “Pete” Decker III, Esq. ’87 of Norfolk; Mark T. Fleming, MD of Norfolk; Charlene A. Morring, Esq. ’98 of Suffolk; Keith H. Newby, Sr., MD of Norfolk; and The Honorable Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum ’65 of Reston.
In summary, there are four returning Board of Visitors members; two members moving from Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University Board of Directors to the Board of Visitors; and five new Board of Visitors members.
In reflecting on the recent appointments and current membership, President Hemphill said, “Old Dominion University is truly grateful to Governor Spanberger for the addition of these strong leaders to the Board of Visitors, as part of both the spring and summer appointments. We are honored to have their valuable partnership, in addition to their visionary leadership and dedicated service, for the benefit of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader community. They have joined an incredible group of outstanding individuals who have a strong sense of passion and pride for the past traditions, current work, future direction and lasting impact of Old Dominion University.”