Michelle D. Hill ’96
With more than 25 years of leadership in higher education advancement, Michelle Hill, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, has become a cornerstone of Norfolk State University’s success story. Her reputation for inclusive leadership, strategic board engagement, and ability to align measurable outcomes with mission-driven goals has earned her admiration across the NSU community and beyond.
In October 2010, Ms. Hill returned to Norfolk State University to serve as Director of Alumni Relations, bringing with her a vision to strengthen alumni engagement and foster lifelong connections. Under her guidance, the Alumni Relations unit was revitalized with purposeful programming, creating a robust network of alumni volunteers that remains stronger than ever.
Recognizing her exceptional leadership, Ms. Hill was entrusted with building a comprehensive Annual Giving Program. Her strategic approach to acquiring, renewing, and upgrading gifts from alumni, faculty, staff, and friends resulted in an extraordinary achievement: more than $5.8 million in gifts and pledges raised under her leadership. This milestone reflects her unwavering commitment to advancing NSU’s mission and ensuring its continued growth.
Hill’s creativity and vision extended to NSU’s Homecoming celebrations, which she transformed into a dynamic experience for alumni and friends. By introducing school, college, and affinity receptions, partnering with the NSU Alumni Association, Inc., and enhancing community participation in the parade, she elevated Homecoming into a signature event that draws thousands each year.
In 2025, Hill partnered with eSmart to revolutionize the Homecoming experience through technology. Alumni and guests enjoyed slim digital cards with event details and smart signage across campus, ensuring that information was literally at their fingertips—a testament to her forward-thinking approach.