Dear Dillard University Community,
We hope this message finds you well. As the Board of Trustees, it is our responsibility to ensure the continued excellence and leadership of Dillard University. Earlier this year, we faced the abrupt resignation of Dr. Rochelle Ford, who stepped down as President effective July 1, 2024, to focus on her health and family. In response, we appointed Dr. Monique Guillory, then University Provost, as Interim President.
We are pleased to announce that the Board has unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Guillory as the permanent President of Dillard University, effective immediately. This decision comes after an extensive and thorough evaluative process, reflecting our commitment to diligence and stakeholder engagement.
Selection Process and Due Diligence
Following Dr. Ford’s resignation, the Board established a rigorous vetting process to explore options for identifying the next president. Given the challenges facing the University, we aimed to act swiftly while ensuring comprehensive due diligence. Dr. Guillory, a native New Orleanian with over 30 years of administrative experience in higher education, emerged as a strong candidate due to her exceptional qualifications, and demonstrated leadership while serving in the interim role.
We consulted trusted experts for additional insights. The Committee engaged with Isaacson Miller, a national executive search firm who agreed, pro bono, to conduct a background check on Dr. Guillory and advise on the portfolio of candidates currently applying for presidential positions. Based on our recent experience with a presidential search, and familiarity with the credentials of prior successful HBCU presidential applicants, we concluded that launching a new search would not yield candidates comparable to Dr. Guillory in terms of credentials and the positive momentum she has already built.
The Committee’s review included an evaluation of Dr. Guillory’s background and achievements, as well as consultations with various constituent groups. We conducted additional interviews with two Presidents under whom Dr. Guillory previously served, current and former Cabinet Members from Dillard, national higher education leaders with insight into current presidential searches and the scope of available talent.
Key Findings
Dr. Guillory’s academic background includes a BA from Tulane and a PhD from NYU. Her career in higher education spans multiple institutions where she has held senior leadership roles, including:
- University of the District of Columbia: Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President for Administration Morehouse School of Medicine: Chief Administrative Officer and Chief of Staff.
- Saint Elizabeth’s University: VP of Academic Affairs.
- Southern University System: VP of Academic and Student Affairs.
- Xavier University: Special Assistant to the Administration.
- University of Virgin Islands: Campus Executive Administrator, St. Croix.
- Jackson State University: Founding Director of the Mississippi Learning Institute and Deputy Chief of Staff.
Community Engagement
Throughout this process, the Committee engaged with numerous internal stakeholders:
- The President of Faculty Senate
- Two senior, tenured Faculty members from the last presidential search committee
- The President of Staff Senate
- The President of SGA
- Mr. and Miss Dillard
- The President of the National Alumni Association
Additionally, Committee members reviewed Dr. Guillory’s town hall with students and alumni to gather further insights.
Conclusion
With a unanimous recommendation from the Committee and the subsequent approval by the Board, we are confident that Dr. Guillory is the right leader for Dillard University. We are excited to officially welcome her into the role of ninth President of Dillard University and look forward to the institution’s continued growth and success under her leadership.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Monique Guillory and supporting her in this new chapter for Dillard University.
Sincerely,
Michael D. Jones, Esq.
Board Chair
On behalf of the Dillard University Board of Trustees
