Dillard University

What is the history of Dillard University?

Dillard University is a private, historically Black university in New Orleans. It was established in 1930 through the merger of two institutions with roots in the post-Civil War expansion of educational opportunities for Black students: Straight University and New Orleans University.

The university takes its name from James Hardy Dillard, an educator and advocate for Black education in the South. Its Gentilly campus became central to its identity. Hurricane Katrina caused extensive damage in 2005, interrupting operations and requiring a major recovery effort. That history helps explain both Dillard's longstanding place in New Orleans and the significance of its campus to students and alumni.

What are the faculties and departments at Dillard University?

Dillard offers a liberal arts education alongside professional programs, including business, public health and nursing. Prospective students can explore subjects across the humanities, sciences, social sciences and performing arts rather than assuming that every major follows the same curriculum or admission pathway.

Examples of fields represented in Dillard's academic offerings include biology, chemistry, computer and information sciences, English, psychology, social work, criminal justice, accounting, music and nursing. Students considering a profession with licensing requirements should check the current catalog for the exact degree, required courses and any separate admission process. In nursing, for example, admission to the university and progression into clinical coursework are distinct questions.

The reported student-to-faculty ratio is 14 to 1. That institution-wide measure does not describe the size of every lecture, laboratory or clinical group, so students comparing programs should ask their intended department about course availability and sequencing.

What is the location of Dillard University?

Dillard's main campus is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the Gentilly area. Its urban setting places students in a city with substantial health care, arts, education and nonprofit activity, although access to any particular internship or job depends on the employer and the student's qualifications.

New Orleans commuting requires planning: students should compare transit routes, parking rules and travel times for classes or clinical placements before choosing where to live. First-year students may register or park a car on campus under the reported policy, but parking availability and permits should be checked separately. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport serves the region for students traveling from farther away.

What is the mission and vision of Dillard University?

Dillard describes its purpose in terms of liberal arts learning, academic achievement, leadership, cultural awareness and service to others. These are the university's stated educational priorities, not independently measured outcomes for every graduate.

The university has historical ties to the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church. Applicants can evaluate how that heritage appears in current campus programs and policies while also considering the academic requirements of their intended major.