Dr. Marvalene Hughes
Dr. Marvalene Hughes, who became the first woman president of Dillard University and led the historic New Orleans HBCU through one of the most devastating natural disasters in American higher education history, died.
Hughes' presidency, which began July 1, 2005, was immediately tested when Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast barely one month into her tenure. The catastrophic storm would define her legacy as a leader of uncommon resilience and determination.
As Katrina approached and mandatory evacuation orders were issued, Hughes acted decisively to ensure student safety, arranging transportation to Shreveport. The storm left Dillard's 55-acre campus with more than $400 million in physical damage and business interruption losses, threatening the institution's very survival.
In the chaotic months that followed, Hughes negotiated an innovative agreement with the Hilton New Orleans Riverside that allowed the university to continue instruction and operations while recovery efforts were underway on the devastated campus. Her leadership during this crisis demonstrated both creative problem-solving and an unwavering commitment to maintaining educational continuity for Dillard's students.
Under Hughes' direction, Dillard embarked on an unprecedented fundraising effort. In her first year as president—and again in 2006—the university raised more than $34 million in public and private gifts and grants, far exceeding any previous annual fundraising totals in Dillard's history. The remarkable influx of resources enabled the institution to begin the long process of rebuilding.
In 2007, Dillard implemented a comprehensive strategic plan to accelerate recovery and guide the university's future development. The following year, Hughes launched the institution's first capital campaign, Advantage Dillard!, with an ambitious $70 million goal focused on student scholarships, academic excellence, campus facilities, technology, library enhancement, program support, and endowment growth. The historic campaign ultimately raised more than $60 million.
Following commencement exercises for the Class of 2010, Hughes presided over the opening of two major new facilities: the Professional Schools and Sciences Building and the Student Union and Health and Wellness Center. Both LEED-registered buildings reflected Dillard's growing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, signaling the institution's emergence from crisis into a new era of growth.
That summer, Hughes announced a major academic restructuring under a new four-college system designed to strengthen academic pathways, improve graduation rates, and position the university for future expansion. The structure included the College of General Studies, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Professional Studies, and the College of Business.
"Dr. Marvalene Hughes was a courageous and visionary leader whose presidency will forever be linked to one of the most challenging and transformative periods in Dillard University's history," said Dr. Monique Guillory, current president of Dillard University. "Her decisive leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our students and mission ensured that Dillard not only survived, but emerged stronger."
Hughes brought distinguished credentials to Dillard's presidency. Before arriving in New Orleans, she served as president of California State University, Stanislaus, where her leadership resulted in increased enrollment, expanded fundraising and capital construction efforts, and notable gains in national rankings. She also held senior administrative roles at the University of Minnesota, the University of Toledo, Arizona State University, and San Diego State University.
A two-time alumna of Tuskegee University, Hughes was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in counseling and administration from Florida State University. She pursued post-doctoral study at three Harvard University Summer Institutes and published widely in the fields of human behavior and management.
Hughes concluded her service as Dillard's president in June 2011.
Editorial note: Dr. Adriel A. Hilton, Vice President of Institutional Strategy and Chief of Staff at Columbia College Chicago, reflects on the legacy of Dr. Marvalene Hughes in The Mentors Who Dress Us for the Journey and Teach Us to Keep Walking | The EDU Ledger.
