Claude Hutto, Sr., Ed.D.

Dean & Assistant Vice Provost, Division of Professional and Continuing Studies

Morehouse College

Dr. Claude P. Hutto, Sr. serves as the Dean and Assistant Vice Provost for the Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS) at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. He is also an Associate Professor of Kinesiology, Sports Studies, and Physical Education. As the inaugural Dean of PCS, Dr. Hutto supervises three major academic units: the Education Department, the Kinesiology, Sports Studies, and Physical Education Department, and the Morehouse Online Program. Originally launched as a B.A. degree completion initiative for non-traditional and stop-out students during the COVID-19 pandemic, Morehouse Online has since evolved into a transformative expansion of the College’s mission, extending access to education on a global scale.

In addition to his leadership within PCS, Dr. Hutto has supervised the operational and financial management of the Morehouse Center for Excellence in Education (MCEE). Tasked with managing a substantial budget of $1.5 million, he strategically aligned the Center’s mission with the broader goals of the institution. Under his guidance, the MCEE evolved into a dynamic hub for scholarship, personal development, social responsibility, cultural enrichment, and innovative programs.

Dr. Hutto’s research focuses on student retention and increasing graduate and professional school acceptance rates. His work explores the impact of faculty mentorship and institutional support structures on student persistence and success. His scholarship has been published in the Journal of the National Society of Allied Health and the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and has been cited internationally, including by scholars affiliated with the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australia.

Since 2001, Dr. Hutto has collaborated with Morehouse faculty to recruit, mentor, and retain highly qualified students, supporting their transition into graduate programs and professional careers. He co-founded the James P. Haines Society Majors Club, which has enriched academic programming for over two decades. Additionally, he established a graduate school pipeline program in partnership with Auburn University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, helping Morehouse graduates pursue advanced degrees in physical education, human performance, and allied health fields.

Dr. Hutto played a pivotal role as the Faculty Credentialing Specialist (2017–2023) during Morehouse College’s SACSCOC reaffirmation process. Currently, he serves as the Morehouse Faculty Athletic Representative, bridging academics and athletics, and has been appointed to numerous search committees and advisory roles at institutions across the nation and internationally.

An Atlanta native who spent his formative years in Chattanooga, Dr. Hutto began his career in education, working in both public and private K-12 schools. Before joining Morehouse in 2001, he served as a teacher, assistant coach, and Assistant Dean of Community Life in Chattanooga and Dalton, Georgia. Additionally, he worked as an Activity Director for the National Youth Sports Program, a federally funded initiative designed to provide academic enrichment and athletic opportunities for underserved youth.

Dr. Hutto’s passion for mentorship and leadership is deeply rooted in his family’s legacy, coming from a distinguished lineage of educators—including university professors and a nationally recognized public school administrator. Their influence not only shaped his commitment to fostering student success but also inspired his pursuit of higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Physical Education from Morehouse College, where he attended on a football scholarship and was a four-year letterman. Motivated by his family’s dedication to education, he continued his academic journey, earning a Master of Education in Physical Education from the University of Georgia and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Clark Atlanta University. Through his work, he remains steadfast in ensuring that students receive the guidance, resources, and opportunities necessary to excel in their academic and professional pursuits.