Alumni Relations Director Steps Down

Utah State University’s executive director of Alumni Relations, Wallace S. Odd II, announced he is stepping down to take a position in the private sector.  

Odd accepted a position that involves work in international humanitarian efforts and economic development in Ethiopia. A USU alumnus, Odd served as executive director of Alumni Relations for three years. He was selected after a lengthy national search and returned to USU following extensive work in government and private sectors, including the office of National Drug Control in the White House, president of a language translation company, senior executive with two civilian companies and a career in the U.S. Air Force.

 

In his resignation letter, Odd expressed his deep love for USU and his willingness to continue service as a volunteer. His resignation was effective May 1.

 

Ross Peterson, vice president for advancement at USU, said Odd has worked to invigorate the alumni chapters and expanded the sources of revenue.

 

“We wish Wally the very best as he embarks on this new adventure,” Peterson said.

 

No decision has been made yet on a replacement, Peterson said.

 

Paul Parkinson, president of the Alumni Association, also thanked Odd for his service and promised continued support from the association.

 

Odd graduated from USU in 1969 with a bachelor’s in political science. He earned a master’s in educational administration in 1971. As an undergraduate student at Utah State, Odd was involved in a variety of student leadership roles. He served as a member of the ASUSU Student Senate Executive Council, as a member of the ROTC Arnold Air Society and as president of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.

 

After graduation Odd entered the U.S. Air Force, eventually serving as squadron commander and as chief of the Strategic Air Defense Branch at the Pentagon. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Odd became a senior policy analyst for the Office of National Drug Control Policy on the White House staff of President George H.W. Bush. After leaving government employment, Odd entered the private sector where he held a number of leadership positions with federal government contractors.