ITTA BENA, Miss.— Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) has appointed Dr. Ernie Troy Hughes as its new Vice President for University Advancement, Governmental Affairs, and External Relations. Hughes brings with him more than thirty years of leadership in philanthropy, community development, and higher education advancement.
Dr. Hughes began his new role on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, and is charged with leading MVSU’s strategic efforts in fundraising, alumni relations, governmental outreach, and external engagement.
“We are honored to welcome Dr. Hughes to the MVSU family,” said MVSU President Dr. Jerryl Briggs. “His transformative leadership, national reach, and deep understanding of university advancement will be key as we continue to keep Valley in motion with purpose and vision.”
A Mississippi native and seasoned advancement executive, Dr. Hughes most recently served as Vice President for University Advancement at Truman State University in Missouri, where he led a $79 million foundation and increased philanthropic giving by more than 60 percent. His prior roles include senior leadership positions at Morehouse School of Medicine, Winona State University, and the Southern University System. He also developed the “Truman Rising” strategic plan, aligning academic and advancement goals in preparation for a major campaign.
Known for restructuring advancement offices for high impact, Dr. Hughes is a strategic thinker who connects innovation, storytelling, and donor engagement to drive results.
Dr. Hughes holds a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development from Louisiana State University, an MBA in Marketing, and a BBA in Finance from Mississippi State University. He has also completed leadership training at Harvard University, the U.S. Army War College, and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
His extensive career has included securing multimillion-dollar gifts, developing strategic corporate partnerships, overseeing complex bond-financed capital projects, and growing alumni giving and engagement.
At MVSU, Dr. Hughes is already casting a bold vision for the future of giving.
“We are asking people to give through VALLEY—not just to VALLEY,” Dr. Hughes emphasized. “At Mississippi Valley State University, we are redefining what giving means. We're not just asking for support; we’re inviting you to become part of a movement. When you give through Valley, your gift becomes an action item—an investment in a new Valley that reflects innovation, resilience, and relevance. You’re not giving to maintain the status quo but to ignite change.”
President Briggs added, “Dr. Hughes’s commitment to developing meaningful partnerships reflects the very essence of our mission. His vision will elevate MVSU’s external profile and drive transformational change on our campus.”
In addition to his fundraising expertise, Dr. Hughes is a Fulbright Scholar, Gallup-certified coach, and U.S. Army veteran. His work has helped secure multimillion-dollar gifts, launched new institutional initiatives, and developed entrepreneurial public-private partnerships to enhance student life.
A champion of community engagement and institutional innovation, Dr. Hughes said he is eager to connect with MVSU alumni, corporate partners, and governmental stakeholders to advance the university’s legacy and future.