Meet Dahlia Hylton, Associate Dean of Student Affairs

Dahlia Hylton joins the School of Data Science as the first Associate Dean of Student Affairs. A California native with more than 10 years of experience in higher education, Hylton has held positions in academic administration on both coasts and at a range of institutions, including the University of California Santa Barbara, Lehigh University and the University of North Carolina at Asheville.  

A first-generation college student with a doctorate in higher education administration, Hylton attributes her success to grit, grace and a strong community that encouraged her. She fondly remembers the moment when she received her Ph.D. with an undergraduate mentor at her side, both accepting their terminal degrees together. In her new position, Hylton hopes to pay forward the kindness of her mentors, inspiring School of Data Science students and connecting them with new opportunities. 

“I want to be that light for someone else,” she said. “I am who I am because of [my mentors], and I want to pour that same type of excitement into other people. I want to help students figure out their purpose in life.”

Hylton described herself as a “change agent” and a “bridge builder,” and her vision for the School of Data Science’s new office of student affairs focuses on collaboration and innovation.  

“My vision for the Office of Student Affairs rests on two distinct and intersecting parts," she said. "One is operational — to build an exemplary staff dedicated to creating the most transformative experience for students. The other is holistically supportive — to assist students in developing their metrics of success and actualizing them.” 

Hylton was drawn to the tightknit feel of the University of Virginia during her interview, and the room for growth and creativity that she found at the School of Data Science also inspired her. As Hylton prepares to move from the Atlanta area, where she is based, to Charlottesville, she looks to the future with enthusiasm. 

“The School of Data Science is the newest school on Grounds, and it’s still very much in its infancy. There is rapid growth happening, and that’s really exciting to me,” she said. “Greatness can occur when you give people the space to be innovative.” 

Watch this introductory video to meet Dahlia Hylton.