It is with heavy hearts that the Dillard University community mourns the passing of our 6th President, Dr. Marvalene Hughes, who transitioned on January 3, 2026.
Dr. Hughes was a trailblazer of the highest order—the first woman to serve as President of Dillard and a leader whose courage was tested almost immediately upon her arrival in 2005. Just one month into her tenure, she was faced with the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Under her visionary leadership, Dillard did more than just survive; it rose from the waters. Her historic legacy includes:
- Orchestrated the emergency evacuation of students and negotiated a “campus in a hotel” at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside to ensure education never stopped.
- Oversaw the rebuilding of our historic 55-acre campus following $400 million in damages.
- Launched the Advantage Dillard! campaign, which raised over $60 million for scholarships and academic excellence.
- Presided over the opening of the LEED®-registered Professional Schools and Sciences Building and the Student Union.
- Implemented the four-college system to strengthen student graduation pathways.
“Dr. Marvalene Hughes was a courageous and visionary leader,” shared current President Dr. Monique Guillory. “Her resilience ensured that Dillard not only survived but emerged stronger.”
We extend our deepest condolences to the Hughes family and the countless alumni and students whose lives she transformed.
Read the full tribute to Dr. Hughes’ extraordinary life and service at www.dillard.edu
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