Book Celebration and Student Research Showcase Highlight Graduate Pathways, Research Excellence, and Institutional Collaboration in New Orleans
Dillard University joined The Leadership Alliance and Xavier University of Louisiana for a special celebration of A Legacy of Purpose: How The Leadership Alliance is Reshaping the Future of Work on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the University Center at Xavier University of Louisiana.
The event brought together students, faculty, university leaders, alumni, and partners from across the New Orleans academic community to celebrate student achievement, research pathways, mentorship, and the transformative power of institutional collaboration in preparing the next generation of leaders in academia, medicine, science, and public service.
Hosted in partnership with Xavier University of Louisiana, the celebration highlighted The Leadership Alliance’s more than 30-year commitment to expanding access to research opportunities and graduate education through collaboration among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), research-intensive universities, and liberal arts institutions.
“This celebration reflects the strength of partnerships and the transformative possibilities created when institutions intentionally invest in student talent and leadership,” said Dr. Taiese Bingham-Hickman, Executive Director of The Leadership Alliance and Assistant Vice President of Pathways and Pipelines at Brown University. “The partnership between Xavier University of Louisiana, Dillard University, and The Leadership Alliance represents the very essence of A Legacy of Purpose—creating pathways that empower scholars to pursue research, graduate study, and careers of impact while strengthening the future workforce through inclusive excellence.”
Celebrating Partnership and Student Success
The event showcased the enduring role of research, mentorship, and collaboration in advancing academic and professional opportunity for students. The program opened with remarks from institutional and Leadership Alliance leaders who emphasized the importance of preparing students for graduate education and research careers through intentional partnership and shared investment in student success.
Featured speakers included:
- Tracey Jackson, Assistant Provost for Student Professional Development, Xavier University of Louisiana;
- Dr. Marguerite Giguette, Provost, Xavier University of Louisiana;
- Dr. Dorian Williams, Interim Provost, Dillard University; and
- Dr. Gina Astorini, Associate Director, The Leadership Alliance.
Together, speakers reflected on the importance of collaboration in fostering academic excellence, supporting student achievement, and expanding pathways to doctoral education and professional leadership.
Dillard and Xavier Students Share Research Experiences
A highlight of the celebration was a student panel featuring scholars from Dillard University and Xavier University of Louisiana who participated in The Leadership Alliance’s Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP). Students discussed how undergraduate research experiences, faculty mentorship, and exposure to graduate pathways shaped their educational journeys and future goals.
Panelists included:
- Sydney Whitmore, SR-EIP Scholar, Johns Hopkins University (2024);
- Fehintiolaoluwa Bankole, SR-EIP Scholar, Brown University (2025);
- Nya Allen, SR-EIP Scholar, University of Miami (2024); and
- Shalice Blackman, SR-EIP Scholar, Johns Hopkins University (2024).
Their reflections highlighted the impact of research opportunities in preparing students for competitive graduate programs, research careers, and leadership roles across disciplines.
Advancing Inclusive Excellence Through Collaboration
The program also featured a special video message from Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, President Emeritus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), who reflected on The Leadership Alliance’s longstanding impact in advancing research opportunity and inclusive excellence in higher education.
“The Leadership Alliance is a rare example of substantive and successful institutional collaboration across different types of institutions, including research universities, liberal arts colleges, and HBCUs, with a focus on broadening participation in research and the scientific workforce,” said Dr. Hrabowski.
He also emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in research and innovation, describing The Leadership Alliance as “a beacon of hope for promoting inclusion and excellence.”
The celebration reinforced Dillard University’s commitment to providing students with meaningful research experiences, graduate preparation opportunities, and professional mentorship through collaborative partnerships that support innovation, leadership, and academic excellence.
About A Legacy of Purpose
A Legacy of Purpose: How The Leadership Alliance is Reshaping the Future of Work, authored by Malcolm Allen and published by Forbes Books, chronicles the people, partnerships, and programs that have shaped The Leadership Alliance’s impact for more than three decades. Through stories of scholars, faculty mentors, institutional leaders, and alumni, the book serves as both a celebration of legacy and a blueprint for building a more equitable and innovative future.
About The Leadership Alliance
The Leadership Alliance is a Brown University-led consortium of 41 member institutions committed to developing leaders and role models in academia, medicine, government, and industry. Through mentoring, research, and graduate preparation programs, The Leadership Alliance increases participation in advanced study and research careers while strengthening the national workforce through inclusive excellence.
