FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2022
Contact: Eddie Francis, efrancis@dillard.edu
504.816.4024
NEW ORLEANS—Dillard University’s Division of Student Success will unveil a new esports gaming lab in the University’s Student Union in July. The lab will be home to the University’s new esports club, the Dillard Demons. The University partnered with CommunityX and Verizon who, in the summer of 2021, provided a grant of $200,000 to assist Dillard with space design, consultation on technology and equipment procurement. The funds will also be used to provide scholarships for women interested in gaming or STEM. The new lab will feature state of the art gaming furniture, desktops, keyboards, monitors, headsets and bold University branding.
“We are very pleased to expose our students to this burgeoning STEM field. While many think of gaming as a hobby or pastime, gaming design, distribution and competition are also lucrative ways to engage this field,” said Dr. Roland Bullard, vice president of student success at Dillard. “This means there are significant opportunities for career advancement (and compensation) in this area. The new lab and lounge is a great way to ensure that underrepresented students have the opportunity to learn about and possibly join this sector of the workforce.”
“Students have consistently expressed an interest in the field of gaming, so we are really pleased to provide a space right here in the union where they can learn and play,” said Dr. Courtney Williams, assistant dean and director of Dillard’s Center for Students Engagement and Leadership.
Esports is the organized, competitive video gaming between individuals or teams. Hundreds of colleges and universities now feature egaming spaces with some even offering gaming scholarships. Tournaments are held virtually on a global scale with revenues expected to exceed $3 billion by the year 2023, according to the recent Newzoo Global Cloud Gaming Report.
Dillard’s Center for Career and Professional Development will also host a number of employers who are interested in providing internships and job opportunities for Dillard students. “This is a win-win, for Dillard University students,” said Bullard.
While the Dillard Demons eclub is not an intercollegiate team, the University is giving intercollegiate play consideration, as well as a certification or major. For more information about the initiative, email rbullard@dillard.edu. Students interested in joining the Dillard Demons or learning more about our gaming initiatives can email studentengagement@dillard.edu or call 504-816-4236.
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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. Founded in 1869, Dillard is Louisiana’s oldest HBCU, born from the union of Straight College and New Orleans University. Find out more by visiting www.dillard.edu.
