Dr. Dominque L. Hill

Assistant Dean of Students for Recreation and Wellness Services
2024 Newcomer of the Year, Kent State Division of Student Life

Dr. Dominque Hill serves as the Assistant Dean of Students for Recreation and Wellness Services at Kent State University, where he leads a comprehensive portfolio focused on student well-being, leadership development, and campus engagement. Since joining Kent State in June 2023, Dr. Hill has guided strategic planning efforts, enhanced collaboration across departments, and strengthened the role of Recreation and Wellness Services in supporting student success. In 2024, he was recognized as the Newcomer of the Year by the Division of Student Life for his meaningful contributions to the university community.

With more than 18 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Hill brings a strong record of leadership in student affairs, wellness, and organizational development. Prior to his current role, he served as Director of Wellness at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he led campus-wide initiatives that empowered students to pursue healthy, balanced lives.

Dr. Hill holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education, Exercise, and Sport Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also earned a Master of Science in Management and Leadership and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Tarleton State University.

He currently serves on the NASPA Region IV-East Advisory Board and the Advisory Board for the NASPA Ujima Institute. As a member of the Ujima Institute’s inaugural cohort, Dr. Hill is committed to supporting the advancement of Black and African American professionals in higher education. He also serves on the advisory board for the Carolina Honors Program at UNC Chapel Hill and previously served as Senior Advisor to the International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

During his time at Baylor, Dr. Hill founded the university’s first employee resource group, the Black Faculty and Staff Association. He also assisted with the founding of the LatinX and Native American Faculty and Staff Associations. His leadership was recognized with Baylor’s Staff Champion of Change Award and the Diversity Enhancement Award, reflecting his commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for connection and community building.

Outside of his professional role, Dr. Hill is a proud husband, father, and grandfather. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Gretel, and together they have three children: Nadia, Kayla, and Dominque II, as well as a granddaughter, Kaelynn. He draws daily inspiration from the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
“Don’t allow anybody to make you feel that you are nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that you have worth. And always feel that your life has ultimate significance.”