Dillard University has recently welcomed six talented individuals who have joined our team in various roles. With their diverse backgrounds, unique experiences, and exceptional skills, we are confident these new hires will contribute significantly to our ongoing success and help us reach new heights.
Dillard University has recently welcomed six talented individuals who have joined our team in various roles. With their diverse backgrounds, unique experiences, and exceptional skills, we are confident these new hires will contribute significantly to our ongoing success and help us reach new heights.
Travis Chase ’97, Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer –
Before rejoining Dillard University, Travis worked for nearly 16 years in Higher Education with four universities: Dillard University, Xavier University of Louisiana, Southern University, and Pepperdine University. His role has been in Development, Institutional Advancement, Student Services, Alumni, Enrollment and Admission.
Mr. Chase graduated from St. Augustine High School and Dillard University, receiving his International Business and Japanese Studies degree. He lived in Japan and worked for Procter and Gamble as well as with the Japan Exchange Teaching program.
He serves on several community boards, such as Rooted Schools, and numerous advisory groups. He is an active mentor with programs like the Silverback Society and Son of a Saint in New Orleans. Mr. Chase is driven by his service to others and committed to his family, friends, and students at Dillard University.
“I look forward to being a positive presence here at Dillard University, and I welcome all opportunities to get involved and contribute to the lives of every Dillard student for years to come,” Mr. Chase said.
Jeff Joseph ’14 – Annual Fund and Donor Relations Officer:
With a passion for forging meaningful connections, Mr. Joseph has found his stride in building relationships between Dillard University and its valued donors.
Mr. Joseph’s academic journey included pursuing higher education at Howard University and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He is also an Amazon best-selling author, which he credits as a testament to his dedication to diverse forms of communication.
“I look forward to contributing further to higher education and psychology, fueled by my unwavering commitment to scholarship and community impact,” Mr. Joseph said.
Ty Haley – Alumni Relations Officer:
As Alumni Relations Officer, Ms. Haley will work diligently to foster a strong sense of community and engagement among Dillard University’s alumni. She says, “One of my goals for Dillard is to increase alumni engagement by fostering a sense of community among alumni and promoting meaningful dialogue between them and the University.”
Keisha Hill* – Gift Accountant and Data Base Manager: A vibrant professional who woven her story through the tapestry of higher education, administration, and finance. With a journey that has taken her through esteemed institutions like Southern University of Shreveport, Louisiana State University, and Southern University of Baton Rouge. As a first-generation student, Keisha’s academic odyssey began at Wiley College, where she embarked on a path that led to a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Undeterred by challenges, she continued her quest for knowledge, earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration, an achievement that reflects her unwavering commitment to growth.
“I’m looking forward to this journey with the DU team and working towards making a lasting difference within the university community,” said Ms. Hill.
Kem Opperman-Torres– Director of Sustainability:
Kem Lesley Opperman-Torres, a LEED Green Associate and TRUE Zero Waste Advisor came aboard in August. A Louisiana raised on the Bayou Teche in St. Mary Parish, she has had a lifelong passion for nature. She enjoys sharing that love with students and colleagues.
Mrs. Opperman-Torres is developing a strategic sustainability plan to guide the University and its community. The plan will focus on reducing our carbon footprint while reinvesting the realized savings into further energy efficiency programs — continuing and expanding initiatives like those that Dillard began with Entergy’s Energy Smart program.
She is looking forward to assembling a dynamic student team to educate the community about sustainability while implementing programs for recycling, composting, reduction of single-use plastics, and caring for our oaks. She will investigate renewable energy options and workforce training to align Dillard with Louisiana’s climate action plan.
Dillard has already applied to join the Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s University Affiliates coalition and will seek to become a Tree Campus with the Arbor Day Foundation. These efforts are just the beginning of Making Bleu Green.
Latricia Tillman – Pre-Health Advisor:
Latricia Tillman is an accomplished professional with a three-decade career dedicated to promoting civil rights, equity, diversity, and inclusion in health, human services, and housing. She has worked in community-based organizations and held local and state government positions. She holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the Catholic University of America and a master’s degree from Boston University School of Public Health.
Ms. Tillman has been recognized for her work with prestigious fellowships and awards, such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Fellowship and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation fellowship. She has developed health education programs in Arizona, Massachusetts, and Oregon, targeting issues like chronic disease, HIV, child welfare, and women’s health.
Ms. Tillman expresses excitement about her new position, saying, “I am thrilled to pivot away from governmental work to have the opportunity to work at Dillard University in support of the next generation of health equity leaders, to explore the history and culture of New Orleans, and to learn more about the richness of my family history here.”
*Not Pictured
