Dillman established a program which put an estimated 100,000 people to work on highways, reducing unemployment in the state by approximately 6%.

[3][4] Dillman announced his candidacy for the Highway Commissioners position on January 19, 1933, but was defeated in the April 3, 1933, election by the Democratic machine in Detroit and Lansing.

On July 1, 1933, the day after he left office as state highway commissioner, Dillman was appointed as the director of public service for the City of Grand Rapids.

Dillman held the office for only eight months, as he resigned to assume the presidency of the Michigan College of Mining and Technology.

Under Dillman's leadership, the college procured the village of Alberta, establishing the Ford Forestry Center and Research Forest in 1954.

The college's enrollment significantly increased following World War II, with temporary housing being established due to the influx of veterans.