Dillard University is getting a little bit of help from one of its most famous alums - President Ruth Simmons.
Simmons, who graduated from the university in 1967, is serving an advisory role in Dillard's search for its new president. Dillard's former president, Michael Lomax, left after a seven-year tenure to run the United Negro College Fund. The UNCF recruited Lomax partly because of his fundraising successes at Dillard, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Dillard has chosen an interim president until a permanent replacement is found to fill the role. Simmons said she feels the interim appointment is indicative of the amount of time and consideration the university will devote to finding the best possible president.
"My hope is that they'll take their time," she told The Herald.
Simmons said Dillard is a small institution that lacks many of the resources Brown has. "I had the opportunity to go to college because a small college gave me a scholarship, and I'm very attached to it," she said.
Simmons said there are no plans for her to visit the school during the search process. Instead, she will offer advice about candidates and procedure by phone. Simmons said her role will remain strictly advisory because she feels her schedule does not allow for a greater commitment.
"I made it clear that I don't see myself as being very involved with the search committee and that I don't need to be," she said.
"Certainly, when I retire from Brown, I'd love to have more time to help (Dillard) out," Simmons added. "It means a lot to me as my undergraduate college."
