FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2022
Contact: Eddie Francis, efrancis@dillard.edu
504.816.4024
NEW ORLEANS–The Dillard University Board of Trustees, during their fall 2022 meeting, unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Rose-Ann Blenman-Abange as a member. Blenman-Abange is the senior director and head of EDDS (early detection and data science) portfolio and strategy and integration at Johnson & Johnson.
“Coming home to ‘Fair Dillard’ means everything,” said Blenman-Abange. “I’m excited to do my part to provide Dillard students the same kinds of opportunities that were put in front of me. In fact, I see great potential for partnerships with the Minority Health & Health Equity Center, endowed scholarships, and even internships and graduate leadership efforts for Dillard’s STEM students.”
“Having Trustee Blenman-Abange on our Board of Trustees is truly inspiring,” said Dr. Rochelle Ford, president of Dillard. “I could see how committed she is to her alma mater just in the way she shared ideas during the meeting and how she interacted with students during her visit.”
Michael D. Jones, the chair of Dillard’s Board of Trustees, recalls learning about Blenman-Abange through LinkedIn. “When I saw her experience, skillset and that she is a Dillard alumna, I wanted to have her on our team,” said Jones. “The incredible energy and well-formed ideas that she brought to our fall board meeting is exactly what Dillard needs at this historic moment, as we celebrate a new president and look for opportunities to expand our physics department, already one of the best in the nation. I look forward to working with my newest board colleague, Dr. Rose.”
Blenman-Abange earned her bachelor’s degree in physics from Dillard in 2000, making her part of an impressive University legacy. The University’s program has made news for becoming one of the top producers of African American physics bachelor’s degree recipients in the nation, the achievements of its Society of Physics Students chapter and the work of its faculty.
Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Blenman-Abange spent five years with Merck where she began as a senior research scientist before advancing to an oncology biomarker and platform manager. The native of Barbados earned her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and physiology, imaging from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.
About Dillard University
Dillard University is a historically Black institution that cultivates leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. Located in New Orleans, Dillard is a private faith-based liberal arts university that offers 22 majors and two certificate programs. Ranked 5th on 2021 The New York Times Overall Mobility Index and 14th in 2022 by Academic Influence for Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship, Dillard’s call to future leaders is to Write Your Legacy. Find out more about Louisiana’s oldest HBCU by visiting www.dillard.edu.
