Dillard University Announces Plans to
Commence Classes as Early as January 2006
New Orleans, Louisiana – Dillard University officials today announced that plans are underway to commence classes as early as January 2006 at a site in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dillard University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tulane University to provide temporary facilities for Dillard “back home” while the Dillard campus undergoes extensive repairs in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
In making the decision to relocate in New Orleans, President Marvalene Hughes, Ph.D., said: “The board of trustees, in consultation with various stakeholders, sought a solution that would reconnect the Dillard community physically, emotionally and spiritually, as well as enable the important work of teaching and learning to commence without further interruption.
“Tulane invited us to consider a Memorandum of Understanding, which we developed collaboratively,” Dr. Hughes continued. “They have responded enthusiastically and we approved this opportunity to return to our home in New Orleans.”
Several sites in Louisiana, as well as in adjacent states, were considered and evaluated. Clearly, the preference was to stay in the home state of Louisiana, in or near New Orleans. With the Tulane offer in New Orleans, it has been ensured that Dillard University will maintain its separate identity and heritage as a historically black university, reestablish its learning centered community of students, faculty and staff and reclaim its legacy of 135 years in the city. The availability of classrooms, laboratories, auditoriums and administrative space helped to shape the decision. In taking this action, Dr. Hughes commented: “All we do today will hasten the effort to return as quickly as possible to the Dillard campus with great pride in belonging and with a sense of community. We simply consider this an appropriate avenue on our journey back home that will result in future relationships with Tulane.”
The president went on to say: “Dillard has two immediate goals: 1) to prepare for our move back to campus as quickly as possible, with the safety and security of all of our students, faculty and staff as a paramount concern; and 2) to participate in the economic redevelopment of New Orleans.”
Dillard University is very thankful to all who are helping to guide us and to look after the welfare of our students and faculty. Fair Dillard has been strengthened by everyone’s prayers, good deeds and expressions of support.
Our Avenue of the Oaks gala represents a longstanding tradition. It will be restored and we will march once more through them daily and during special celebrations in the future.
Interview requests should be directed to Nicole Korkolis,
Carmen Group Communications, at (212) 983-6100, ext. 232.
