The Dillard University Board of Trustees announced that Dr. Monique Guillory has been appointed the permanent president of the institution, effective immediately. This decision follows the resignation of her predecessor, Dr. Rochelle Ford, who resigned in July to focus on personal health and family matters.

Dr. Guillory, who previously served as the university provost, was appointed interim president earlier this year after Dr. Ford’s departure. Citing her extensive experience and established leadership during her interim tenure, the Board conducted a rigorous vetting process reaffirming her qualifications as the most suitable candidate to lead the university forward.

“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,” said Michael D. Jones, Board Chair, in a statement. 

The selection process involved consultations with various stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Experts from Isaacson Miller, a national executive search firm, were engaged to provide additional insights and conduct a background check on Dr. Guillory.

In her acceptance message to the Dillard community, Dr. Guillory expressed gratitude for her support and emphasized her commitment to tackling the challenges facing higher education today. “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,” she stated.

Dr. Guillory is set to outline her vision for the university’s future at a town hall meeting scheduled for Jan. 28, 2024, where she will discuss institutional priorities and plans for the new year.