Dillard University

Dillard University is a private Historically Black College or University (HBCU) located in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1930 by the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Congregational Church. The university is named after James H. Dillard, a Tulane University trustee, and has a long history of providing quality education to students from diverse backgrounds, including African American students, with notable affiliations to United Church of Christ and United Methodist Church. Dillard University has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) since 1935 and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top HBCUs in the country, alongside other prestigious institutions like Howard University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College. The university has also been supported by organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

● History

The history of Dillard University dates back to 1869 when Straight University and Union Normal School were founded, with the latter being established by the American Missionary Association and the Freedmen's Bureau. In 1930, these two institutions merged to form Dillard University, with the support of Tulane University and the General Education Board. The university has a rich history of producing notable alumni, including Dr. Norman Francis, who served as the president of Xavier University of Louisiana from 1968 to 2015, and Dr. Walter Kimbrough, who has served as the president of Philander Smith College and Alabama A&M University. Dillard University has also been influenced by the Civil Rights Movement, with many of its students and faculty members participating in events such as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the Selma to Montgomery Marches, alongside notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Thurgood Marshall. The university has also been recognized for its contributions to the African American community, including its partnerships with organizations such as the National Urban League and the United Negro College Fund.

● Academics

Dillard University offers a range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as Business Administration, Nursing, and Public Health, with accreditation from organizations such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The university is composed of several colleges and schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and the School of Nursing, with notable faculty members such as Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, a renowned expert on Racial Identity Theory, and Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, a prominent Social Justice advocate. Dillard University has also established partnerships with other institutions, including Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, and University of New Orleans, to provide students with access to a wide range of academic resources and opportunities, such as the National Science Foundation's Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program. The university has also been recognized for its commitment to Community Engagement and Service Learning, with programs such as the AmeriCorps and the Bonner Scholars Program.

● Campus

The campus of Dillard University is located in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, and spans over 55 acres of land, with notable buildings such as the Rosenwald Hall and the Stern Hall, which were designed by the renowned African American architect John M. Nickerson. The campus is also home to several state-of-the-art facilities, including the Professional Schools Building and the Student Union Building, which provide students with access to modern amenities and resources, such as the Dillard University Library and the Career Services Center. Dillard University has also invested in Sustainability Initiatives, including the use of Solar Energy and Recycling Programs, with support from organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The university has also established partnerships with local organizations, such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival, to promote Cultural Exchange and Community Development.

● Student Life

Dillard University offers a range of student life activities and organizations, including Greek Life, Student Government Association, and Cultural Organizations, such as the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). The university also has a strong commitment to Community Service, with programs such as the Dillard University Community Corps and the AmeriCorps program, which provide students with opportunities to engage in Volunteer Work and Service Learning projects, such as the Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross. Dillard University has also established partnerships with local organizations, such as the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, to promote Arts and Culture and provide students with access to Internship Opportunities and Career Development resources, such as the Dillard University Career Services Center and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

● Athletics

Dillard University's athletic teams, known as the Dillard Bleu Devils, compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC), with teams in sports such as Basketball, Volleyball, and Track and Field, alongside other HBCUs like Xavier University of Louisiana and Southern University and A&M College. The university has a strong commitment to Athletic Excellence, with a focus on developing Student-Athletes who excel both on and off the field, with support from organizations such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Dillard University has also established partnerships with local sports organizations, such as the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans, to provide students with access to Internship Opportunities and Career Development resources, such as the Dillard University Athletic Department and the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).

● Notable Alumni

Dillard University has a long list of notable alumni, including Dr. Norman Francis, who served as the president of Xavier University of Louisiana from 1968 to 2015, and Dr. Walter Kimbrough, who has served as the president of Philander Smith College and Alabama A&M University. Other notable alumni include Alden J. McDonald, the president and CEO of Liberty Bank and Trust Company, and Kim Boyle, a renowned Journalist and Author, who has worked with organizations such as the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the Poynter Institute. Dillard University has also produced several notable Artists, including Herb Kent, a renowned Musician and Radio Personality, and Wendell Pierce, an acclaimed Actor who has appeared in films such as The Wire and Treme, alongside other notable actors like Idris Elba and David Oyelowo. The university has also been recognized for its contributions to the African American community, including its partnerships with organizations such as the National Urban League and the United Negro College Fund.