Fort Valley State announced the appointment of Dexter I. Odom as the university’s vice president for business and finance and chief business officer. In this role, Odom will oversee the institution’s accounting, budgeting, and strategic financing, as well as operational units including facilities and payroll. Odom has been most recently employed as the vice president for business and finance and chief financial officer at Hiram College in Ohio, where he provided executive leadership for the controller’s office, budgets, grants, contracts, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and purchasing in addition to the college bookstore, risk management, information technology, human resources, property management, physical plant, and food services. Odom’s appointment comes after a national search. He will assume his new role on July 2.

“Dexter Odom will help FVSU build on our success in enhancing operational efficiency and fiscal stewardship to take us to a new level of effectiveness, ensuring that every dime possible goes towards empowering our students to be the innovators and leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Paul Jones, FVSU president.

At Hiram College, Odom led efforts to reduce costs, increase revenue, renegotiate costly contracts, and improve customer satisfaction. He led similar efforts as vice president for administration and finance at Jarvis Christian College, and director of budgets, grants, and contracts at Morehouse School of Medicine.

Outside of higher education, he has held roles including president of Madex Solutions, a business and management consulting firm, and vice president and CFO of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. He also worked as a senior auditor and supervisor with the State of Georgia Office of Human Resources.

“I look forward to offering my experience and expertise for the betterment of FVSU,” said Odom. “I also look forward to serving such an outstanding institution with a rich history of matriculating and educating students who will become outstanding graduates and successful individuals within their communities.”

Odom is a certified public accountant, and earned an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and an accounting degree from Valdosta State University. He was also as a board member and Finance Committee chair for Bauder College.  He will take over duties from Pat Wilkins, who has served as interim vice president for business and finance and chief business officer.