On Jan. 9, 2012, Dillard alum Patrick O. Jefferson, ’90, was sworn in as representative for District 11 in the Louisiana State House of Representatives. Jefferson’s goals as a state representative include holding regular town hall meetings to keep citizens informed (which he did throughout his campaign); ensuring the maintenance of local infrastructure; advocating for senior citizen programs; creating opportunities for young people; and providing affordable healthcare.

Jefferson, who has been in private practice as a lawyer since 2001, has also held a myriad of service positions in the community, including president of the Bienville Parish Police Jury, and member of the board of supervisors of Southern University, the Arcadia Lions Club and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He received his Juris Doctorate from Ohio State University College of Law in 1994. After completing law school, Jefferson returned to Dillard, where he worked in the Office of the President as administrative assistant to Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook, a position he held until 1998. He served as dean of students from 1998-2001.

Adrian Guy Anderson, Dillard’s executive director of Alumni Relations, attended the inauguration on behalf of the university (pictured). Alumnae Therese Badon and Rhea Lucien also attended.