April 28, 2011
Message from Dr. Joyce Roché, Chair
Dillard University Board of Trustees
Dear Dillard Community:
As you are aware, Dr. Hughes announced in February that she would transition from the Presidency of Dillard University this year. Among her phenomenal achievements in six years as President during the most challenging times in the University’s history, Dr. Hughes:
•led the creative conversion of the Hilton Hotel to a residential center for students, faculty, staff and administration, and to a classroom, library and recreational community for the entire campus;
•created a strategic plan for Dillard University;
•led the rebuilding of the campus after the devastation of Katrina;
•appointed a high-quality cabinet to deliver services to the University through the Katrina crises;
•oversaw the design, construction and completion of two new qualifiable LEED® (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) registered buildings;
•led the SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) 10-year accreditation process;
•elevated Dillard’s national presence through several highly-rated local, national and international presentations;
•raised more than $300 million for Dillard;
•donated $150,000 to Dillard University for the 8th Grade Initiative;
•impacted federal legislation in original post-Katrina funding;
•paved the way to internationalize academic programs; and
•worked diligently on all restructuring committees, especially academic restructuring;
As a result, Dr. Hughes feels confident that the University is poised for a bright future, and the timing is right to turn over the reins to a new leader.
Over the past month, the board has been working with Dr. Hughes to determine the best time to begin her transition. After reviewing the University's calendar, and identifying key dates relating to some major initiatives that require Dr. Hughes’ oversight and leadership, the Board and Dr. Hughes have agreed on July 1, 2011 as the effective date of her transition.
As you know, the search process for the next President of Dillard kicked off about two weeks ago and is moving ahead. Although we are hopeful that the process will progress rapidly, and we expect to have a strong pool of candidates, we do not anticipate having a new president in place by the July 1st date. Therefore, the board recently voted to select an interim President, who will take office on July 1st and lead Dillard until the 7th President is selected and is in place. I am extremely pleased to announce that Dr. James Lyons, a member of the Board of Trustees, has been selected to serve as Interim President.
We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Dr. Lyons’ qualities and extensive experience to take on the role of Interim President. Dr. Lyons has served in the position of University President at three different institutions (California State University, Dominquez Hills; Jackson State University and Bowie State University) over the past twenty-three years.
He has also held numerous senior administrative and faculty positions at several institutions. He has served as a consultant for Presidential evaluations and chaired numerous commissions, including the Accountability Review Council for the Philadelphia Public School District. Dr. Lyons has chaired accreditation teams for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. When Dr. Lyons joined the Dillard University Board two years ago, he was serving as Secretary of Higher Education for the State of Maryland. Based on his extensive experience in higher education, and his demonstrated passion for Dillard, we are extremely confident that we have chosen the right person to serve as the Interim President and that the University will be in strong, capable hands as we search for our new leader.
We are eternally grateful for Dr. Hughes’ leadership, passion and dedication, which brought the University to a place where it can proudly leap forward, we could not be more pleased that Dr. Lyons has agreed to serve as our Interim President. We are confident that he will continue to move us forward on the numerous exciting initiatives of the University.
We will have the opportunity to show our thanks and appreciation to Dr. Hughes during commencement and over the next few months. On behalf of the Board, I want to again express our heartfelt appreciation to her. I also ask you to join me and the Board of Trustees in extending a warm Dillard welcome to
Dr. James Lyons in his new role as Interim President of Dillard.
Sincerely,
Joyce M. Rochѐ
Chair, Board of Trustees
No comments:
Post a Comment