Dillard University’s athletic department is facing a wave of financial uncertainty after sweeping budget cuts announced by President Monique Guillory, Ph.D.
While the university insists that the athletics program will not be totally eliminated, every team’s budget is under review, with no guarantees of scholarships beyond this semester. President Guillory made the announcement in a meeting concerning athletics early in the Spring semester.
As Dillard draws on its endowment to stay afloat, a cloud hangs over recruitment, and athlete morale is strained after the sudden dismissal of Athletic Director Linda Bell, Ph.D. As the campus awaits further clarity in early March, athletes like Ajanae Chatham, a junior volleyball player, try to stay focused on their season amidst the shifting landscape.
“ I feel uncertain,” Chatham said, worried about her upcoming senior year at Dillard. Chatham doesn’t know if she wants to stay here because of the potential cuts to scholarships. She is also unsure about transferring to a different university because of possible issues with class credits.
“Unfortunately, due to most credits not transferring to new universities, I would feel trapped because I don’t want to be a sophomore all over again,” said Chatham.
The university is also looking at cutting back on games, travel and recruitment.
“We aren’t as prepared going into the championship tournament due to not being able to play as many games,” said Chatham.
The recruitment process could also be affected by the cuts, but it would depend on the coaches, according to J’Brionne Helaire, the university’s sports information director.
“Coach Nile and Coach Scruggs (track & field coaches) are very personable. It’s easy to talk to them. It’s easy to get along with them. They don’t have to sell you a dream; they just show you a vision. So with that point, if scholarships are reduced for future Dillard athletes, it’ll be on the coaches to recruit,” said Helaire.
Outside of budget cuts to the athletic department, Dillard also abruptly dismissed the athletic director, Linda Bell, following the Fall semester. Bell was Dillard’s director of the Department of Athletics until she was fired. She held the role for 4 years, but was let go midway through the winter break.
Staff members said this caused a major disruption to the athletic department.
“It’s definitely negatively impacted us. Dr. Bell was definitely the head of the athletic department,” said Helaire.
Interim provost, Dorian Williams, Ph.D., has also been appointed as interim athletic director. With this semester being busier than the last, the staff said it is keeping up.
“We’re definitely holding it together because we’re all capable, and we know at this point in time we have to do things for ourselves, and figure out how to get things done because we don’t have an athletic director. And we can’t leave the students to suffer,” said Helaire.
In addition, the baseball and softball coaches were replaced.
Even with these cuts happening over the break, the university received a $19 million donation from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation, the biggest donation in school history. However, according to President Guillory in the January 20th meeting, none of it is going to the athletic or academic departments. She said most of the money will be going to pay for infrastructure and outstanding debts.
Helaire said that this was expected since, while she was a student, before graduating in the fall of 2023, she had black mold in her dorm room.
Although the university had an official meeting with the student-athletes to address the recent staff changes and budget cuts, students overwhelmed the staff with pertinent questions concerning their continued education and athletics at Dillard University. Administration saw a need for a second meeting, which is scheduled for early March. Administration plans to answer all of the students’ questions and give the students more reassurance about next year’s athletics.
