At a pivotal moment of transformative achievement and rapid expansion for Old Dominion University, steadfast vision and strong governance remain the cornerstone of progress and success. Reaffirming the institution’s long-term strategic trajectory of excellence and impact, the Old Dominion University Board of Visitors has announced that its executive officers will continue serving through June 30, 2028.
Leading the Board as Rector is P. Murry Pitts ’80 with Vice Rector Andrew (Andy) Hodge and Secretary D.R. (Rick) Wyatt ’81. Together, these exemplary and proven leaders bring decades of corporate acumen, institutional devotion and strategic insight to the Board and the University.
In higher education, major institutional milestones, such as expanding research endeavors as a Carnegie R1 doctoral institution, launching health care initiatives through Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University and spearheading national leadership in artificial intelligence and transformation, among many other achievements, require more than visionary planning as they demand intentional effort and sustained governance.
By extending leadership continuity through 2028, the Board ensures a seamless alignment between strategic governance and administrative execution. President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of this stability as the University expands its reach, noting that “steadfast and strong leadership, as well as governance continuity, are essential as Old Dominion University moves forward on an unprecedented trajectory of growth and innovation.”
President Hemphill further highlighted the deep personal commitment Rector Pitts brings to his governance role. “Murry’s sharp business acumen, visionary guidance and deep dedication to his alma mater have been vital to our campus community,” President Hemphill said. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with Rector Pitts and the entire Board to advance our shared vision for student success, world-class research and institutional excellence.”
For Rector Pitts, the opportunity to continue leading the Board is a profound honor. “It is a tremendous honor to serve Old Dominion University in partnership with Andy and Rick through the active engagement of the full Board,” Rector Pitts reflected. He noted that maintaining continuity in the Board's executive structure “enables us to support President Hemphill’s administration seamlessly and deliver on our strategic goals.”
“Together, we remain deeply committed to guiding the Monarch Nation, fostering academic rigor and serving our students, the Hampton Roads community and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Rector Pitts affirmed.
As Old Dominion University looks toward 2028 and beyond, the united leadership of President Hemphill, Rector Pitts, Vice Rector Hodge and Secretary Wyatt, along with the full Board of Visitors, ensures that the campus community is primed for remarkable achievements. With a clear roadmap focused on student access, cutting-edge research and regional economic revitalization, Old Dominion University stands ready to empower the next generation of leaders and redefine public higher education across Virginia and the nation.
Rector P. Murry Pitts ’80
A proud Monarch alumnus holding a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Rector Pitts was initially appointed to the Board of Visitors in August 2020 by Governor Ralph Northam as part of an unexpired term. He was then appointed to his first full term in July 2022 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Demonstrating continued trust in his stewardship, Governor Abigail Spanberger reappointed Rector Pitts to his second full term through June 30, 2030. Raised in a Navy family in Norfolk, he has built a distinguished career spanning global shipping, paperboard packaging manufacturing and executive consulting for private equity firms. Having held key positions, such as CEO of Bobst North America and CEO of Burlington Medical, he brings a wealth of knowledge and operational experience to his leadership of the Board and stewardship of the University.
Vice Rector Andrew (Andy) Hodge
Appointed to the Board of Visitors in July 2023 by Governor Glenn Youngkin, Vice Rector Hodge brings nearly a quarter-century of commercial banking experience to his governance role. In 2024, he was promoted to President of Virginia and North Carolina Wholesale for Atlantic Union Bank—the largest headquartered regional bank in Virginia, boasting approximately $40 billion in assets following its merger with Sandy Spring Bank. In this executive role, he oversees 115 full-time employees and a $6 billion loan portfolio spanning nine commercial and industrial teams and three specialty banking units across the East Coast from Georgia to Pennsylvania. With expertise in building corporate syndication and asset-based lending teams, he has driven seven consecutive years of portfolio development and success, while prioritizing financial soundness, profitability and strategic expansion. An active community leader, he also serves on the boards of the Tidewater Community College Foundation and the Hampton Roads Workforce Council Foundation and is the past Chairman of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
Secretary D.R. (Rick) Wyatt ’81
A proud Monarch alumnus holding a Master of Business Administration, Secretary Wyatt brings over four decades of top-tier financial expertise to the University’s governance. Secretary Wyatt was appointed to the Board of Visitors in July 2023 by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Now retired, he previously served as Corporate Vice President and Treasurer for Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). Throughout his distinguished career at HII that began in 1982, he held pivotal financial roles across cost engineering, program management and corporate treasury, ultimately managing capital structure, liquidity, pension trust assets and risk strategy for the nation's largest military shipbuilder. His extensive background in fiscal management continues to provide invaluable oversight to the Board and the University.