Dillard's History

Dillard University was born from the union of Straight College – originally Straight University, founded in 1869 – and New Orleans University, founded in 1873. Both institutions served as equity-building engines in the South. However, the combination of Jim Crow, the South's stagnant economy and World War I proved to be significant challenges for both institutions. When the boards of both institutions realized that they would not be able to continue operations, they made the decision to continue their legacy by founding Dillard, which was named for James Hardy Dillard, an educational reformer who promoted racial harmony.

The three institutions represent a continuum of producing leaders such as: P.B.S. Pinchback (Straight), the first African American governor of Louisiana; Rev. John W.E. Bowen (NOU), one of the first African Americans in America to earn a Ph.D.; Hon. Revius O. Ortique Jr. (Dillard), the first African American elected Louisiana Supreme Court justice; Dr. Ruth Simmons (Dillard), the first African American president of an Ivy League Institution; Billy Ray Hobley (Dillard), Harlem Globetrotter legend; and Melanie Davis (Dillard), the first woman to officiate an NCAA men's basketball tournament game.

Learn more at https://www.dillard.edu/about/history.php.

Dillard's Culture

Dillard is known for being a community where Bleu Devils uplift each other through high standards of self. Greek life is an integral part of Dillard life, having produced national presidents of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (Mattelia B. Grays), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. (Mark Tillman) and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre). In both the fall and spring, the most eagerly awaited events are new member presentations where friends celebrate each other becoming members of the Divine Nine. Dent Hall is easily the best college sports venue in New Orleans where students, alumni and supporters create a soulful, electric atmosphere in a packed house led by mascot Victor E. Bleu. There is also the annual Mardi Gras-style homecoming parade and block party where our Gentilly neighbors help us celebrate DU alumni. Finally, there is the annual coronation where supportive friends and family get to enjoy the crowning of Mr. and Miss Dillard University.

What to know about Dillard 

Bleu Devils are winners and pioneers. In 2022, the Dillard University Mock Trial team became the first college mock trial team in Louisiana to reach the American Mock Trial Association National Championship Tournament. Dillard's Honda Campus All-Star Challenge trivia team also reached its National Championship Tournament for the first time. Dillard is the third top producer of African Americans earning bachelor's degrees in physics. Dillard's theatre program is the first degree-granting program at an HBCU, and the nursing and public health programs are the first baccalaureate degree programs in the state of Louisiana. Also in 2022, Dillard alumnus Edward Buckles Jr. received the Tribeca Film Festival’s first-ever Human/Nature Award and Albert Maysles Award for Best New Documentary Director for "Katrina Babies." Dillard is also home to Louisiana's poet laureate, Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy.

Dillard University Photo Gallery