Dear Dillard University Community,
I cannot adequately articulate my gratitude for the outpouring of support and encouragement I have received following yesterday’s announcement from the Board of Trustees to appoint me as the ninth President of Dillard University. Your confidence in my leadership fills me with humility and excitement. I look forward to working with you as we embark on this journey of renewal, undeterred by the formidable challenges which characterize the current higher education landscape.
Thank you for your steadfast support and dedication to this illustrious institution. Over the past seven months as I served in the interim role, I was inspired by the profound passion so many of you possess for Dillard’s mission, as well as a genuine commitment to the students this institution has served for the past 155 years. I am privileged to have been called to join you in this vital work, and I am eager to channel our shared vision into tangible outcomes for Dillard’s future.
As we stand at this crossroads, I am reminded of the powerful words from Jeremiah 29:11 we have all found solace in during difficult times: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope for the future.” This verse resonates deeply with me as we navigate the uncertainties ahead. It serves as a reminder that we are never alone; and whenever we might be tempted to despair, that crisis comes with divine purpose guiding us toward a hopeful future.
The challenges we face—shifting enrollment trends, financial constraints, and the questionable future of higher education, nationwide—demand more than resilience, but also bravery and boldness. Together, we can seize this moment to innovate, to think beyond conventional boundaries, and work to create an institution that is not only sustainable but also transformative. I believe that the plans we forge together will address our immediate needs while leading us into a future filled with promise and possibility – an exemplar for the world of the critical need for education in times such as these.
I envision a collaborative agenda that invites all voices within our community to play a role in shaping our future. We must engage in open discussions that ignite creativity and inspire new ideas. Let us harness the extraordinary talent and passion present among our faculty, staff, students, trustees, and alumni. Together, we can explore new academic programs and pedagogical approaches, forge meaningful partnerships in our community, and enhance the student experience in ways that resonate with today’s learners.
Our mission as a liberal arts HBCU is more important than ever. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that Dillard University remains a beacon of hope, learning, and opportunity for generations to come. In the days ahead, I am eager to roll up my sleeves alongside each of you. I invite you to join me for our first town hall of the new year on Tuesday, January 28 at 11 a.m. CT in Georges Auditorium, or via livestream. At this time, I will share with the Dillard community more insights into our institutional priorities, plans, and expectations for the future.
Thank you once again for this remarkable opportunity. I am excited for the journey ahead and look forward to working closely with all of you as we reimagine Dillard. I wish you all a blessed and joyous holiday season.
Fair Dillard Forever,
Monique Guillory, Ph.D.
President
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