Dr. Melissa Gilliam Appointed as the First Black Female President of Boston University

Dr. Melissa Gilliam Appointed as the First Black Female President of Boston University

October 10, 2023

On Wednesday, Oct. 4, Boston University named Dr. Melissa Gilliam, a renowned physician and former Ohio State University official, president of the city’s largest institution. The appointment marks the first woman and first Black leader since the school’s inception in 1839.

Gilliam will assume her new duties beginning July 1, 2024. The 58-year-old distinguished academic and medical professional succeeds Robert Brown, who has led Boston University since 2005. Gilliam will inherit his challenges to continue progressing in how the school approaches an ever-changing societal landscape.

“In many ways, we are being asked to define our purpose and our views,” said Gilliam. “They’re really good questions. It prevents us from resting on our laurels. We have to really be honest with ourselves about the concerns that people have, listen deeply, and then figure out how we’re going to address them.”

Read the source article at Black Enterprise

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