Veteran's Affairs Plus W/ David L. Washington

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Dave Washington 0:50
day, Las Vegas. Good day. This is Veterans Affairs, plus on 91.5 jazz and more. I'm Dave Washington, your host. I have a few announcements as always. And then we're going to get the president, Monique killer of the Dillard University, the great Dillard University. We'll have her online shortly this month, in June, the month of June, we had Ava Marie Campbell, my deceased sister in law. It was her would have been her birthday, but she passed away just a few months ago now. And also andrena Jones birthday is this month, and not a birthday, but a happy day. Marcia and I celebrated 53 years under our belt as a married couple, so pleased and happy that God has delivered me a very nice woman who put up with me all over these years. So I appreciate my wife very, very much. In way of condolences, I'd like to express condolences to the Fleming family for the loss of their brothers, Larry and Bobby. We certainly want to express condolences Larry, I've known for many, many years, and to his sister cookie, as well as his former wife, Jeannie, we want to again express our deepest, deepest condolences to the both of you. Hey, we as a people, let's continue to celebrate our Juneteenth. We don't need nobody's permission to include 47 and let me say, I know Jason always does a disclaimer, but I'll say, once again, I speak on behalf of Dave Washington in Veterans Affairs, plus not for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 10 years ago, on this day, we had a crazy individual to go in and take the lives of nine black Americans they were gunned down inside of their church. Again, I keep asking the same question, where did we lose our humanity? And we've got to do better with that. I'm going to invite to give us some background. This is a wonderful person that I've had the opportunity to to meet earlier this year. And this is the president of Dillard University. Monique Gilroy, Hey, Doc,

Monique Guillory 3:11
Hi, Dave. How are you?

Dave Washington 3:13
I'm doing well. Doing well. Can't complain. Can't complain. Be going back down to Indiana Center in Houston next month, not next month in August, for another evaluation on my health condition. But I thank God I'm doing just fine right now. So doc, please give us a little bit of background on you, if you would.

Monique Guillory 3:33
Oh, absolutely. And thank you so much for having me with you today. We really enjoyed seeing you all and having to be a part of the Dillard family, so I'm looking forward to us continuing that. But yeah, I'm the ninth president of Dillard University. I'm the first president Dillard who is actually a native New Orleanian, and that means a lot to me in the school 155 year history. It started as New Orleans University and straight College, and then those two merged into Dillard University in 1930s and since Dillard was founded, we've had nine presidents now, and I'm the first one from the city of New Orleans, and so I'm just thrilled to be back home. I've had a 20 year sojourn all over the country at eight different institutions. This is my seventh HBCU, but eight institutions altogether. And I'm just delighted to be at Dillard. And you know, to your point, looking at the times that we're in, and you know, all the things that are happening around the world, it makes me really think a lot about, what should education consist of these days? What, what do our young people really need to know as we face a very uncertain future, and all of the values and all of the the things that we felt. Such certainty about are being dismantled and undermined, and so I think it's a very critical moment for us to really re examine, what does it mean to be educated, especially when we're looking at an investment in education that is very costly and requires families to make all kinds of sacrifices. What should that education consist of? And those are some of the questions that we're wrestling with at Dillard right

Dave Washington 5:26
now. Absolutely, and you have such a wide range of experience. Give us an indication of some of those other positions that you held at other universities, if you would.

Monique Guillory 5:35
Well, let's see. It's like naming all your kids,

Dave Washington 5:39
a couple of them. Doc,

Monique Guillory 5:42
so let's see. I was deputy chief of staff at Jackson State and then went on to run a literacy initiative called the Mississippi learning institute that was a partnership between Jackson State and the Jackson Public Schools district. And then from Jackson State, I went to the University of the Virgin Islands in St Croix, where I served as the campus Executive Administrator, kind of like the Chief Administrative Officer for the St Croix campus at the University of the Virgin Islands. Then I went to Dave University here in New Orleans, where I served as special assistant to the administration. I worked primarily in the Office of Academic Affairs. There. I had a short stint in Michigan where I worked for a consulting firm that serviced higher education. And then from Michigan, I went, I came back down to Louisiana, at the Southern University system, where I was the chief academic officer for the Southern University System at the flagship campus in Baton Rouge. Let's see. From Baton Rouge, I went to New Jersey, the College of St Elizabeth, which is now the university St Elizabeth University, and I served as the provost and chief academic officer there. Then from st New Jersey, I went to Morehouse School of Medicine, where I was the chief of staff at that point, that was during the pandemic. From Morehouse School of Medicine, I went to the University of the District of Columbia, where I was also the chief of staff and senior Vice President for Administration. And then just last year, I made my way to Dillard, where I actually joined the Dillard administration as the provost. Okay, I started as the provost. I was there for about six weeks, and then the President stepped down, and I served as acting and then interim president for about a year, almost about nine months, and then I was fully appointed to the presidency in December of 2024 so

Dave Washington 7:48
absolutely well, I just wanted to our public to understand and have an appreciation for your experience in the higher education arena. And I think they made a great choice. I mentioned to you when we were meeting with you when we were down with the Carl Holmes executive development institute, part of our leadership team, that when I saw you address a bunch of folks, well, not a bunch, but a number of folks who somewhat hostile and, you know, and they were trying to address you, and you was like, I got this, and you would, I mean, I'm like, I was so proud of you. And I say, I don't even know this woman, but she needs to be the president, from my estimation, and just watching how you operated and deal with people who are trying to, to some extent, you know, just overburden you with a bunch of things that were important to them, and I thought, and clearly you understood that, and did your very best and a great job, I should say, to let them understand that you understood that they had needs, and you would be addressing them, and things don't change overnight, and that's what I got from them. And again, you did a great job. Look, another thing that's important, I think, to our listening audience is Dillard is a private institution, not a public and can you explain to our listening audience the difference between the two? If you would

Monique Guillory 9:07
sure? Well, you know, public universities. I mean, most you know you you kind of know them. They are, they receive appropriations from the state, and they receive, you know, funding and varying degrees from the statement, and there's a whole litany of issues and challenges that public HBCUs are facing, particularly now, right? And then private, you know, private schools HBCUs and otherwise, don't receive any public funding at all. They are completely dependent on tuition or on sponsored programs, grants and contracts. They do not receive public support, and I have primarily worked only at private institutions, with the exception of the Southern University System, which was an interesting experience. And part of the reason why I prefer and lean more is. To private institutions, particularly when you consider what's happening at a moment like this, there's you have just more latitude, and you have more control over your own future. We see kind of what's happened at Tennessee State. We see what's happening at the Florida that the public institutions in Florida, at fam you know, at the end of the day, when you are a public institution, while you may be eligible to receive more funds than you, then you know private institutions that tend to struggle with with with sustenance and resources in a moment, in a politicized moment like this, you recognize that these institutions are very much at the mercy of kind of political winds, and so I'm really grateful for the opportunity to be supporting Dillard at this time and really thinking about a viable path for its future,

Dave Washington 10:54
absolutely. And I can tell you, you can't see me, but I'm certainly I was smiling because our son graduated from Jackson State, and our youngest daughter graduated from Southern University, Southern University, Baton Rouge campus. And our other two daughters, they went to school here in Las Vegas, but all of them have bachelor's Our son has a master's degree. So we're proud of them, and proud to know that they've gotten it into higher education, which is something that I want to do, and I'm going to talk to you offline about something that you are working with the Carl Holmes executive development institute. To do, I'm going to seek becoming a student, believe it or not, because I'm short of my probably, I'm just thinking roughly year, year and a half, from a bachelor's degree, which I do want to pursue. And I told the folks, when they hired me as fire chief here in the city of Las Vegas, that they asked me, what was I going to do about my formal education? And I said, I'm going to, I'm going to get my degree, whether or not it's doing my time of service to the department, or whether it's years later, whether they have to, or me have to come up on a cane or in a wheelchair, because I, you know, I'm just a person who, if I give you my word, is something that I always try to get done. And it's just been, it was such a burden, because I was just an active fire chief, you know, I was already an activist before I was appointed. So it just stepped it up a level in terms of being out in the community and letting people know that our department is here to serve their needs. You know, as I think about you, know you and your thought with respect to being private, because I've told people several times, or I mentioned several times on this show, that 47 can't shut our program down. Only way he could if he shut down Dillard, in fact, one of our founding folks, Dr Carl Holmes, he said we could have our class in a tent out in the desert if we needed to, if we didn't have a physical structure somewhere that we could, we could be housed there. But we're pleased that those like Romeo spalling, our fourth president of the International Association of Black professional firefighters, they decided that this institute would be housed at a HBCU. And we're so pleased to be working with you guys through Michelle Matthews down there, Dilla, because you guys have always looked out for our interest, even though everything hasn't been smooth, and that's just that's life. Life gives us all sorts of trials and tribulations as we understand but one thing I notice about you, young lady, you are committed to taking care of the needs of the folks who have issues, and you made that commitment to us, and we're very pleased to continue our work with you. And I should tell everyone that next year will be our 25th year working with Dillard, and our 35th year as a Fire Service Institute for Higher Learning of fire service professionals. So we are so pleased. Could you please give us an indication of how many students you need to be on campus to keep you in the black, so to speak?

Monique Guillory 13:58
Yeah, that's a great question. I mean, currently we are at about 1100 students, and we would like to see that increase to 1400 and so that's going to take, you know, it's going to be a yeoman's job of increasing enrollment to that level, especially again, in this environment where more and more young people are questioning the value of a college degree, whether it's worth it to go into debt, none of them want to take out student loans. And remember, I mean, you remember Dave like, you know, even when you enrolled in college like he was, just understood, this is a rite of passage. This was something that, especially if you were a part of the black middle class, or you aspired to be a part of the black middle class or the black upper class. It was going to be done through education, right? You know, and it was not really negotiable. And now it is. It is very negotiable. And there are a lot of students, a lot of young people, just don't feel like it's worth it to go into debt to earn a bachelor's degree. And, you know, on some level. Level, I've encouraged them to understand that it isn't worth it to go into debt just for a bachelor's degree, but to go forward and get your advanced degree to pursue a graduate degree, and that increases your earning potential by even that much more. But we definitely are going to have to talk. We don't have to get you through those last few credits and you know, and again, the kind of work that you've done being a fire chief and I believe, a commissioner at one time. You know, we're at a place in education where we can translate all of that, you know, professional experience, all of that life experience, into college credit as it should be. You know, you are a leader, you're a community leader, you're a first responder, you're a servant leader. I mean, you exemplify precisely what we want our students to become. And so I certainly think that you should get credit for something like that capacity. So there are definitely models for that type of, you know, translation of life experience, professional experience, right into college credit so that we could act, you know, we do it for veterans with the type of training that veterans receive. And so we certainly should be able to consider how we get this done Sure. Firefighter,

Dave Washington 16:21
sure. And I'll make one correction, Doc, I ran for county commission in in the night, early 90s, and I also ran about four or five years ago and got slaughtered in that second run. But it's all okay, because, you know, the stress that it put the family under, they were like, don't ever run again, because, you know, people will double cross you and do all sorts of things that that make you angry, but over time, you get over and you keep on moving. Because I think that you're

Monique Guillory 16:48
in that you're in that space, you know, right? I mean, you know, still, it's still, I still maintain the point that this is kind of the new the new understanding of education. And, like I said, What does it mean to be educated? You have the experience just because you didn't get that experience, you didn't get that knowledge, just sitting in a classroom, right? You know, 90 minutes a week. That doesn't matter to me. If you could show me the life experience and what kind of impact you've had on communities and on, you know, on individuals, on people you've mentored coming through the call Carl Holmes program. I mean, all of that is really very important and very valuable. And we certainly thank you for what you've

Dave Washington 17:34
done. Well, I certainly appreciate that, and I can tell you that they got me, you know, one of my fellow board members say you shouldn't always be wanting to give things, because I surprised them all with a poem that my daughter had worked had worked up for me, and then they turned around and had me to come into. I thought was going to be a meeting in the auditorium. I got 300 people standing up, and they just broke me down and I cried. I'm like, oh my goodness, but they just told me how much they appreciated my leadership, because I've been the leader of the program, and didn't even realize it for the last it's been 10 years, and it was really something to walk into that room, and they have that kind of expression. For me, it was really heartwarming. And I can tell you that, once again, it is something when people let you know how much they appreciate it while you're still able to to recognize and appreciate and you're still breathing, I should say so. Once again, this is Veterans Affairs, plus on 91.5 jazz and more. This is Dave Washington, your host, and I have the great doctor, and I trust that this woman is going to do wonderful things at Dillard University, Dr Gilroy. And I can tell you that one of the things that I like to know, what can we do? And I'm talking about the Carl Holmes executive development institute students and staff, because I know you got a strategic plan from a strategic standpoint, what kinds of things can just come off the top of your head that you can see us assisting you, if you would.

Monique Guillory 19:03
Yeah, well, first of all, just keep coming. I mean, just it's a wonderful, wonderful event and institute that we really love. Hosting it. It brings a vibrancy to campus. And one of the things that we will start looking at is the opportunities for you all to interact with our students more if we're able to build out this program so that it is credit bearing and that it is a pipe, a pathway for degree completion, for your your participants will have opportunities for your participants to come to campus during the academic year, when more students are here. You all usually come. You all come during the summer, when most students are gone, right? And so, you know, creating a more formal dynamic between you all and our students, introducing our students to, you know, service professions, in that way, first responder professions. I would love to have them hear from you all. You know. A firefighter is right up there with pilot, you know, doctor, lawyer, Indian chief right up there. It's one of those. It's one of those professions that certainly tugs at the imagination of young people. And I would love the opportunity for our students to have more direct dialog and conversation with you all about that professional choice. Well, so that's certainly one of the things that we'll be looking

Dave Washington 20:23
at, sure, and I can tell you that one of the things that you mentioned is that maybe we would have to come down to campus twice a year. I'm thinking my head, my mind start clicking right away. I'm like, well, I already will be down in I won't be president any longer. I'll be on the advisory team for for the Carl Holmes executive development institute. That could be my week of work down there toward his bachelor's. And then one other time come down at some point of the year, me and my wife, in fact, and she can come down and have some fun, just kind of, you know, enjoy life, if you will. And and that will give me another opportunity again to do at least two weeks on campus, because I really want to do this, because I think it would be a nice milestone to have someone from our institute. And I'm not trying to feed my own ego. I'm just trying to show that there's pathways through your willingness to assist us, not I mean, there's no shortcut. I'm not expecting any kind of shortcut, but I certainly think, and you've already mentioned it, I think there is some value in the experience that I've life experiences that I've had, not only with the fire department, but community as well, because I've been an activist most of my adult life, and I could tell you some things that I've done that people say you're just so radical, you're just so militant. Well, I'm just a fellow human being that refused to be denied anything in terms of of the things that we should be able to achieve in this country. And see when they talk all this D and I, D, D, E and I and affirmative action, I go, Are you kidding me? We and they talk about merit. Our folks have, if you talk about merit, I know many, many of our people, I'm talking about black people now who have gotten this and that purely on merit. There was no no parent or cousin who could tap you on your shoulder. Because I remember me and gene, the Vice President of EDI, he and I were teaching down. I think it was in chat. It was either Chattanooga or or Nashville. Anyway, one guy says, Yeah, I became captain because I helped the mayor paint his fence like, What man, this job too dangerous for you know, had the strong fair form, the strong mayor form of government, and that's why we encourage our students to know what form of government are you working under? Because strong mayor forms of government can be it can be dangerous sometimes, because sometimes they'll put people in don't have a clue about the industry, but just because they helped to paint a fence and me and Gene looked at each other like, Are you kidding me? And hope, but I trust that the guy did have some knowledge of the captain's position, roles and responsibilities, but doc, we certainly appreciate you and look forward to as we embark upon this 25 years with you all. In 35 years for us as an institute, we're certainly hopeful that we'll be able to do some collaboration as we move toward 2026 do Absolutely,

Monique Guillory 23:21
we're looking forward to it like I've said, we're looking forward to the next 25 years with, you know, with the homes EDI. And we're just so proud and honored that you all have, you know, thought about Dillard and kept coming back to us, even when things weren't perfect. And I am determined to get things perfect. You know, that is one of the things you know. You are our client, and you trusted us year after year to come and host this event. And despite, you know, administrative changes and resource challenges we've had on campus, you deserve the best, you know, and we want to strive to deliver that to you. So

Dave Washington 24:04
I want to ask you, why do you feel Dillard is a great school, from your perspective? Doc,

Monique Guillory 24:15
well, you know it's, it is? It has a really stellar legacy of 155 years of existence, numerous generations of African Americans educated at Dillard, some at a time when they had no choice, and some of the time because that was their choice to come to Dillard. You know, we have a marvelous history of producing advocates, civil rights workers, lawyers, Justice workers. We're really renowned for our nursing program. But you know, the faculty and staff who work at Dillard and at most HBCUs, for that matter, they are here for the calling. They are here because of the mission. They are here to pay it forward to students. And to make sure future generations of you know, primarily African American students. So we do not we do not deny anyone admission to any HBCU, but it is to perpetuate and preserve the legacy of of excellence and achievement that we've always been capable of but were denied the opportunity to demonstrate that. You know, we are housed in New Orleans, Louisiana, which is a city like none other in the world. I'm not just saying that because it's my hometown. I'm so proud of being from New Orleans and that Dillard is a remarkably beautiful campus in the heart of New Orleans. I am determined that in the next few years of my administration that Dillard would offer students a very distinctive experience. We are completely reimagining our general education curriculum so that we focus primarily on holistic wellness and mental health, we want to start our priority is student development, taking that student wherever he or she is when they arrive as a freshman, and really doing, helping them to understand where they are, where they are, with their Mental Health, with their emotional intelligence, what their triggers are, what their strengths are, really doing a deep dive on who they are as a person. Because I feel like if you're going to make an investment in education, the best thing you need to know about, the most important subject that you need to understand is yourself. And I think that it is that much more important that we cultivate this type of education for young people, given how uncertain the future is right now,

Dave Washington 26:47
absolutely well, as I mentioned to you when we talked the other week, it is my intent to do all that I can. And I talked to the library, they got some changes going on right now, but I'm going to work on hosting you. We got a number of Dillard alumnus who live here in Las Vegas. I'm going to make contact with some of these folks, and we should be able to put together a big reception. You and I will talk about possible dates, and we'll get something going. So any closing remarks, Doc, and I appreciate you giving us the time, because I know it's you're a very, very busy person, still putting your your your team together.

Monique Guillory 27:25
Oh, Dave, you know we don't always make time for you all, so there's no problem at all. But I just really appreciate your consideration and the time you've given me today to talk about Dillard. You know, they're not. There are no HBCUs out west, and so if there are students in Las Vegas who would consider an HBCU, Las Vegas and New Orleans have a lot of very interesting parallels, in the sense of, you know how much tourism and hospitality are important to these towns, and also being cities that don't sleep. And you know the idea that people come to these cities for a certain type of experience. And so I would imagine that any young person who grew up in Las Vegas would find themselves to be very comfortable in a city like New Orleans. But we have a few things that are pretty distinctive to us as well. But I just thank you for this opportunity and for the time and looking forward to the future collaboration that we'll have with EDI and wishing you the very best.

Dave Washington 28:23
Yes, I thank you so much. Once again, this is Veterans Affairs, plus on 91.5 jazz and more. I'm Dave Washington, your host, and I had the wonderful Dr Monique Gilroy. She is an outstanding individual, and I trust that we all are going to get behind her or beside her, but to assist her in becoming all that she needs to be to drive that institution to even greater heights. So thank you, Dave,

Monique Guillory 28:48
thank you. Thank you. All right. Bye.

Music 29:22
All the smoke in the air, till the hate when they stare, all the pain that we bear.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai