Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough is the seventh president of Dillard University in New Orleans, and he has served in the role since 2012. He previously served as president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock from 2004 until 2012. A native of Atlanta, Dr. Kimbrough was his high school salutatorian and student body president in 1985 and went on to earn degrees from the University of Georgia, Miami University in Ohio, and Georgia State University. He has enjoyed a fulfilling career in student affairs, serving at Emory University, Georgia State University, Old Dominion University, and Albany State University.
Dr. Kimbrough has been recognized for his research and writings on historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and African American men in college. He also has been noted for his active use of social media. In 2010, he was cited by BachelorsDegree.org as one of 25 college presidents you should follow on Twitter and by Education Dive as one of 10 college presidents on Twitter who are doing it right (@HipHopPrez). In 2015, he was named by TheBestSchools.org as one of the 20 most interesting college presidents.
Dr. Kimbrough has forged a national reputation as an expert on fraternities and sororities, with specific expertise regarding historically Black, Latin and Asian groups. He is the author of the book, Black Greek 101: The Culture, Customs and Challenges of Black Fraternities and Sororities. He was named the 1994 New Professional of the Year for the Association of Fraternity Advisors. Other honors include the 2010 Ebony Magazine Power 100 list, the 2013 NBC News/TheGriot.com's 100 African Americans making history today, and the 2014 HBCU Digest male President of the Year.
Dr. Kimbrough and his wife Adria Nobles Kimbrough, attorney and director of the Dillard University pre-law program, are the proud parents of two children: Lydia Nicole, 10, and Benjamin Barack, 7.