It is with deep sorrow that ACPA honors the passing of Dr. Marvalene Hughes, an extraordinary leader, educator, and cherished member of our community. Dr. Hughes passed away on January 3, 2026, at the age of 88.
Dr. Hughes served as ACPA’s 48th President (1987–1988) and remains one of the most influential voices in the history of our profession. She was the 17th woman and the third African American elected to lead the Association, and her presidency was marked by a profound commitment to diversity, human rights, and the development of student affairs as a profession. Throughout her career with ACPA, she served in numerous leadership roles, including Senator, Treasurer, Commissioner, presenter, and mentor while shaping the Association and inspiring generations of practitioners.
A scholar and seasoned administrator, Dr. Hughes dedicated her life to higher education. Her distinguished career included senior leadership positions at institutions across the country and transformative presidencies at California State University, Stanislaus and Dillard University. At CSU Stanislaus, she increased enrollment, expanded fundraising, and advanced capital development. Later, as the first woman president of Dillard University, she led the university through one of its most challenging chapters in history, guiding recovery and renewal in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Her courageous leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to students and institutional excellence left an enduring legacy.
Dr. Hughes’s impact extended far beyond campus boundaries. She was a prolific author and speaker, a mentor to countless professionals, and a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion in higher education. Her life’s work strengthened the field, shaped institutional cultures, and expanded opportunities for those she served.
We honor her legacy with profound gratitude for her contributions to ACPA and our profession. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by her life and leadership.
ACPA will issue a memorial resolution in her honor at the ACPA26 Convention in Baltimore, MD at the Annual Business Meeting.
For more information on the life, legacy, and ACPA presidency of Dr. Marvalene Hughes, please visit her ACPA Past President page.
