Dillard University

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Dillard University is a private, historically black liberal arts college in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1869, it is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church.

The present campus near Gentilly Boulevard and the London Avenue Canal was established in the 1930s.

[edit] History

[edit] Early Years, 1869-1930

The history of Dillard University dates back to 1869 and its founding predecessor institutions--Straight University and Union Normal School. Responding to the post-Civil War need to educate newly freed African Americans in New Orleans, Louisiana and the surrounding region, the American Missionary Association of the Congregational Church founded Straight University on June 12, and Union Normal School was established by the Freedman's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church on July 8. In addition to Straight University, the AMA helped found several other Historically Black Colleges and Universities, such as Clark Atlanta University, Fisk University, Hampton University, Howard University (with Freedmen's Bureau), Huston-Tillotson University, LeMoyne-Owen College, Talladega College, and Tougaloo College. Straight University and Union Normal School later became Straight College and New Orleans University, respectively. Both schools offered elementary level education, but quickly enlarged curriculum to include secondary, collegiate, and professional level instruction.

New Orleans University operated a secondary school--Gilbert Academy. By the 1890s, the university offered professional medical training. It included a school of pharmacy, the Flint Medical College, and the Sarah Goodridge Hospital and Nurse Training School. After the medical college was ended in 1911, the Flint Goodridge Hospital emerged and continued nurse training.

Straight College also offered professional training, including a law department from 1874 to 1886, and its graduates participated in local and national Reconstruction and post-Reconstruction era civil rights struggles. For example, 1876 Straight University Law School graduate, Louis André Martinet, published The Crusader--a civil rights daily, co-founded the Comité des Citoyens (Citizens' Committee), and played a significant role in the Plessy v. Ferguson landmark Supreme Court case.[1] Other notable alumni includes, P.B.S. Pinchback (first African American governor of a U.S. state), Alice Dunbar Nelson (Harlem Renaissance foremother), and Dr. James W. Ames (founded first Detroit hospital to admit blacks).

[edit] "A Great Negro University in New Orleans": 1930-1935

By the late 1920's, local Black and White leaders felt there was a need for a larger, more notable African American institution of higher learning to emerge within New Orleans and the greater region. Due to economic hardships and rounds of negotiations between the two institutions, Straight College and New Orleans University chartered Dillard University on June 6, 1930. [2] "The New university would offer a traditional liberal arts curriculum--rather than nonprofessional, vocational training" and emphasize a close engagement with the Black community through "various education extension programs, societies, and clubs."[3]

Despite the hope of this new charter, the building of Dillard University was tempered by its context of Jim Crow America. Many local Whites took concern with the possibility of a Black president presiding over White faculty members. Similarly, the increased numbers of African American bus riders in the Gentilly area disturb some White sensibilities.

Despite this resistance, Dillard University opened its doors in the fall of 1935, and was able to attract a number of prominent scholars, such as Horace Mann Bond, psychology and education; Frederick Douglass Hall, music; Lawrence D. Reddick, history; and St. Clair Drake, sociology and anthropology.

[edit] Academics

[edit] Degrees and Majors

Dillard University offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees in over 35 majors. The diverse major, minor, and course offerings create an opportunities for a comprehensive, global education. These majors are organized within six academic divisions, and further subdivided by departments:

• Division of Business
  • Accounting
  • Business Management
  • Economics and Finance
  • International Business and World Languages
    • International Business and French
    • International Business and Japanese
    • International Business and Spanish
  • International Finance and World Languages
    • International Finance and Japanese Studies
    • International Finance and Latin American Studies
  • Marketing/MIS
• Division of Education & Psychology
  • Early Childhood (grades PK-3)
  • Elementary Education (grades 1-5)
  • Secondary Education (grades 6-12)
    • Biology Secondary Education
    • English Secondary Education
    • Mathematics Secondary Education
    • Social Studies Secondary Education
  • Special Education (mild/moderate: grades 1-12)
  • Educational Studies
  • Psychology
• Division of Humanities
  • Art/Visual Art
  • English
    • Creative Writing (minor only)
  • Mass Communications
    • Public Relations Concentration
    • Television Production Concentration
    • Print Concentration
    • Recording Arts Concentration
    • Broadcasting Concentration
  • Sacred Music
  • Music Performance
    • Piano, Organ, and Band Instruments
    • Voice
  • Music Business Management
  • Business Management and Art
  • Philosophy and Religion
  • Theatre Arts
    • Performance Track
    • Theatre Technology Track
    • Theatre Management Track
  • Women's Studies (minor only)
  • World Languages
    • French & Francophone Studies
    • Japanese Studies
    • Spanish & Portuguese/Brazilian Studies (Concentration in Latin American Studies)
    • Spanish (Business Language)
    • German (concentration/minor only)
• Division of Natural Sciences
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
    • Management Option
    • Science and Technology Option
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
    • Pre-Engineering/Science and Technology Option
    • Pre-Engineering/Computer Engineering Option
    • Pre-Engineering/Chemical Engineering Option
  • Public Health
    • Health Systems Management Track
    • Community Health Education Track
    • Health Sciences Track
      • Pre-Physical Therapy
      • Pre-Occupational Therapy
• Division of Nursing
  • Nursing
• Division of Social Sciences
  • African World Studies
  • History
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
    • Sociology
    • Sociology/Criminal Justice
    • Sociology/Social Work
  • Urban Studies and Public Policy

[edit] Institute of Jazz Culture (IOJC)

Nurtured in the "Birthplace of Jazz," Dillard University recognized the unique possibilities that is provided by this context. The Institute of Jazz Culture was established in 2002 by founding director, Irvin Mayfield at the intersection of community, jazz and education. Under the current leadership of Edward Anderson, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of the IOJC, the Institute is producing curriculum and programming on the collegiate and the secondary levels. It emphasizes the development of talent and promotes professional opportunities. Preservation, promotion and celebration through documentation, education, and performance of jazz culture are the central goals.

[edit] Campus: "Gleaming White and Spacious Green"

Dillard University's campus is located on 55 acres in the suburban-like Gentilly neighborhood of the historic 7th Ward district of New Orleans. The picturesque campus is anchored by Neoclassical architecture and stately live oak trees. The double tree-lined "Avenue of the Oaks" form the focal point of the gated campus.

[edit] Academic Buildings

DUICEF (Dillard University International Center for Economic Freedom) is the university's newest building, dedicated in 2004. It houses the offices of the Division of Education & Psychology and the Division of Social Sciences, and computer and language laboratories.

Howard House, built in 1936, was originally a guest house, but currently is home to the business program. The building was named in honor of New Orleanian native Alvin Pike Howard (1889-1937), successful businessman, former professor of Tulane University and former director of Hibernia National Bank; he is a noteworthy contributor to the development of Dillard University.

Rosenwald Hall is a hall at Dillard University. Dillard's first permanent building was originally the campus library. It was built in May 1934. The building is named in honor of philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, to whom the building was dedicated in June 1948. This building houses the university's administrative offices and was under construction due to damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It will be fully operational in the fall 2008.

Samuel DuBois Cook Fine Arts and Communications Center at Dillard University, New Orleans, was built in 1993. Building is named in honor of Dillard University's sixth president Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook. With his tenure came the start of the modernization of Dillard University's infrastructure. In the building are the Fine Arts Gallery and studios, state-of-the-art television and recording studios, the Music Department, the thriving Drama Department and a theater, and a radio station.

Stern Hall is a hall at Dillard University. Dillard's science building was built in 1952. It's named in honor of Edgar Bloom Stern, prominent financier and philanthropist of New Orleans. The building was renovated in 1952 and again in 1968. In the building are the Division of Nursing, Division of Natural Sciences, two computer labs, Biology, Chemistry and Physics labs as well as a learning center sponsored by the Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LAMP) program.

[edit] Library

Will W. Alexander Library is Dillard University's library. It was built in 1961. The library was dedicated in honor of the first acting president of Dillard University, the Rev. Will W. Alexander on October 22, 1961. The library houses an extensive collection of books, journals, microform and newspapers, as well as such historical documents as the papers of the American Missionary Association of the United Church of Christ. The library was damaged in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and reopened as a state-of-the-art facility in April 2008.

[edit] Chapel

Lawless Memorial Chapel is a Dillard University's chapel. It was built in 1955. Chapel was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alfred Lawless Jr. and his son Theodore K. Lawless M.D. on October 23, 1955. Now named Lawless Assembly Hall, it is the only building on Dillard's campus that did not suffer flood damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

[edit] On-Campus Housing

Camphor Hall is a hall at Dillard University, New Orleans. It was built in 1947. This female dormitory was originally a male dormitory. Building was named in honor of Louisiana native, educator and missionary, Bishop Alexander Priestly Camphor. Due to damage from Hurricane Katrina, only the first floor of Camphor-Hartzell annex is used for office space for the Division of Student Success. It is currently not in use as dormitory space.

Hartzell Hall is a dormitory at Dillard University. It was built in 1935. Hartzell is named in honor of Joseph Crane Hartzell, a missionary bishop for the Methodist Episcopal Church. Building was originally a junior and senior female dormitory, and is currently not in use as dormitory space due to damage from Hurricane Katrina.

Nelson Complex consisted of three modular buildings that served as undergraduate housing for students. Named after William Nelson, the first African American president of the university. It was destroyed by fire during Hurricane Katrina

Straight Hall is a dormitory at Dillard University. It was built in 1936 and renovated in 1957, Straight Hall was originally a female dormitory in its earliest days. The building is named in honor of Seymour Straight, president of the Board of Trustees of Straight College which opened in 1869 and later in 1930 merged with New Orleans University to form Dillard University. This dormitory is not in use due to damage following Hurricane Katrina.

Williams Hall is a female dormitory building located to the left of Kearny hall. Dedicated in honor of noted New Orleanian educator and philanthropist Fannie C. Williams(1882-1980) in June 1946. The building was renovated in 2000 and became a co-ed dormitory in 2004.

Gentilly Gardens

[edit] Off-Campus Housing

Dillard University Apartment Living (DUALs)

Elysian Fields Apartments

[edit] Athletic Buildings

Dent Hall Dent Hall at Dillard University, New Orleans, is the university's gymnasium. It was named in honor of Dr. Albert W. Dent, the university's third president. It was built in 1969 at the end of his service. Dent Hall is the home of the Blue Devils and the Lady Blue Devils basketball teams (Athletics Department). In this building are The Division of Campus Life, Career Services, Student Development, Student Government Association,the Honors Program, offices, classrooms, computer labs, a dance studio, a weight center and a newly renovated swimming pool.

Henson Hall Henson Hall is Dillard University's old gymnasium, which was built in 1950 and renovated in 1990. The building is named in honor of explorer and co-discoverer of the North Pole, Matthew Alexander Henson. He was the first human of African descent to have reached the North Pole. The university's bookstore and temporary library are housed in Henson Hall due to space constraints following Hurricane Katrina.

[edit] Student Center and President's House

Kearny Hall Kearny Hall is the student center at Dillard University. It was built in 1935 and renovated in 1966 and 1996. This building is named in honor of New Orleanian Warren Kearny, Trustee of Dillard University. Kearny Hall is located at the center of the campus. In the building are a lounge area, Post Office, cafeteria, food service offices, as well as the Student Government Association office.

President's House Built in 1936, the president's residence has been renovated three times; 1964, 1972 and 1997. It has been home to six of the seven presidents of Dillard University. It was gutted in post-Katrina reconstruction and will be not be renovated until all other buildings on campus are restored at the request of President Marvalene Hughes, Ph.D.

[edit] List of Dillard People

[edit] Alumni

The following notable individuals are alumni of Dillard University:

[edit] Honorary Degree Recipients

The following notable individuals are honorary alumni of Dillard University:

[edit] University Presidents

The following individuals currently or previously served as President of Dillard University:

9th Marvalene Hughes, Ph.D. (2005 - Present)

8th Bettye Parker Smith, Ph.D.

7th Michael Lucius Lomax, Ph.D.

6th Samuel DuBois Cook, Ph.D.

5th Myron Wicke

4th Broadus Nathaniel Butler

3rd Albert Walter Dent

2nd William Stuart Nelson

1st Rev. Will W. Alexander

[edit] Trustees

The following corporate, civic and religious leaders currently or previously served on the Dillard University Board of Trustees:

Herschel L. Abbott, Jr., Esq.

Jay Amestoy

Victoria Holloway Barbosa, M.D., M.P.H.

Edgar A. Bright, Jr.

Bruce K. Brown

Rudolph P. Byrd, Ph.D.

The Honorable Ruth C. Carter

Samuel DuBois Cook, Ph.D.

Bishop Finis A. Crutchfield

David B. Dillard

Arnold W. Donald

Marian Wright Edelman

Charles A. Ferguson

Joel L. Fleishman

Kent S. Foster

Robert W. French

Myron Gray

Michael G. Griffin '94

Beverly Guy Sheftall, Ph.D.

Anthony J. Hackett, Jr.

Eben Hardie, Jr.

Wesley A. Hotchkiss

Marvalene Hughes, Ph.D.

Bishop William W. Hutchinson

Michael D. Jones, Esq. '82

Warren A. Jones, M.D. '71

Arthur Johnson

Robert E. Johnson

Lester E. Kabacoff

Pres Kabacoff

Charles Keller, Jr.

Rosa Freeman Keller

Charles Kohlmeyer, Jr.

Hugh A. Latimer

Frank J. Mason

Homer C. McEwen

Glenda Goodly McNeal, MBA '82

John Mendel

William R. Mendenhall

Deadrick C. Montague

R. King Milling

Steven Odell

Bishop William B. Oden

The Honorable Revius O. Ortique '47

Joyce M. Roche, Ph.D. '70

Howard E. Spragg

Edward M. Swan, Jr.

Harold W. Thatcher

Kenneth W. Thompson

F. Thomas Trotter

Margaret F. Washington, RN

Henry M. Williams

Andrew B. Wisdom

Ambassador Andrew J. Young, Jr.

[edit] Hurricane Katrina

The campus, not far from the lower levee breach of the London Avenue Canal, suffered extensive flood damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Nelson Hall was destroyed by a fire.

In spring 2006, the students of Dillard University took their normal classes at The New Orleans World Trade Center and The New Orleans Hilton Riverside Hotel.

As is tradition, Dillard held graduation on the Rosa Freeman Keller Avenue of the Oaks in July 2006. They returned to campus in September of 2006, and continue getting the campus back in order.

[4]. A bus fire also destroyed belongings of 37 students who were in the process of being evacuated. [5] [6]

[edit] External links

• www.dillard.edu official web site

[edit] Footnotes