Dear Dillard Community,
We are excited to announce that Dr. Joyce Roché ’70 will serve as the speaker for Dillard University’s 2026 Founders Day Convocation.
A proud Dillard alumna, Dr. Roché is a seasoned executive, board director, author, and leadership advisor with more than 25 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit leadership. She is Principal Consultant and Founder of JMR River Vieux Consulting and previously served as President and CEO of Girls Inc., President and Chief Operating Officer of Carson Products Company, and Vice President of Global Marketing at Avon Products, Inc. At Avon, she broke new ground as the company’s first African American female vice president, its first African American vice president of marketing, and its first vice president of global marketing.
Her achievements have been recognized widely, including a 1997 Fortune cover feature, selection as one of Business Week’s “Top Managers to Watch” in 1998, and recognition as an Outstanding Corporate Director by The Financial Times in 2014. Dillard awarded her the Presidential Medal of Honor in 2015. She is also the author of The Empress Has No Clothes? Conquering Self-Doubt to Embrace Success, a candid memoir about her lifelong experience with imposter syndrome. Her board service has included AT&T, Macy’s, Anheuser-Busch, Tupperware Brands, and more.
Dr. Roché holds an MBA from Columbia University and honorary doctorates from Dillard University and other institutions. She also served as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Dillard University, where she is now Trustee Emerita.
A Special Tribute to David B. Dillard
This year’s program will also include a special tribute to David B. Dillard, trustee, benefactor, and legacy bearer. Dr. Roché’s role as speaker holds special meaning, as she led the Board of Trustees during Mr. Dillard’s years of service. We are humbled to honor Mr. Dillard and have invited his family to join us in this tribute and celebration.
Founders Day 2026
Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 11:00 a.m.
Lawless Memorial Chapel
Can’t join us in person? Watch the livestream on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/event/6239242
Dillard University Administration
