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.
