Boston University’s 11th president takes office on July 1, 2024
“I lead by listening, collaborating, and empowering other people. That is the best way to run big organizations: to get everyone excited and engaged and doing more than they think they’re capable of doing.”Learn More on BU Today Watch Announcement download image
Those who have worked for her, or beside her, or have only met her on a few occasions all echo similar praise about Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam. She listens. She collaborates. She leads. Read some reactions from those who have gotten to know her:
“Her answers to questions were thoughtful. And very reflective of who she is as a doctor, a mother, a leader, and someone with vision.”
—Nina Tassler (CFA’79, Hon.’16), former BU trustee
“Her approach to leadership is that of a consensus builder. She is highly collaborative and also able to take the hard stand when it is needed.”
—Kimberly Howard, BU Faculty Council chair
“It appears she has an intrinsic grasp of systemic issues, but she also engages and connects with students, and she does it with great fluency.”
—Maureen Alphonse-Charles (CAS’85), BU trustee
“A highly regarded leader in multiple spaces—from academics, research, and medicine to global affairs, community outreach, and inclusion—Dr. Gilliam will usher Boston University into a new era of transformational impact.”
Ahmass L. Fakahany (Questrom’79), chair of the Board of Trustees, shares some thoughts about the future of Boston University under its new president.
BU community members met with the committee prior to the search to discuss leadership qualities, strategic priorities, and other requirements for BU’s next president
Person-hours dedicated to search efforts, including reviewing credentials and screening candidates
Individuals identified as candidates
Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam, a physician and higher education leader, will take on the mantle of president of Boston University, effective Jul. 1, 2024. In doing so, she will become BU’s first woman and first Black president.
Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam made history Tuesday (Oct. 5) after being named the first Black and female president of the 184-year-old school. With an extensive background as a physician, professor, and executive, Gilliam brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new post.
A career educator, higher ed administrator and physician will soon lead Boston University as the school's first Black and first female president. After a search that took a little more than a year, the university's board of trustees announced Wednesday it had selected Dr. Melissa Gilliam to steer the university, starting on July 1, 2024.
Dr. Melissa Gilliam, a top official at The Ohio State University and a physician, will become Boston University’s next president, a historic appointment that gives the city’s largest university its first woman and first Black leader.
Ohio State University provost, physician, and scholar brings to BU her passion for the arts and humanities along with two decades of higher education leadership. “I lead by listening, collaborating, and empowering,” she says.
Dr. Melissa Gilliam will be the next president of Boston University, the school announced Wednesday morning. The move is historic: Dr. Gilliam, a physician with a background in reproductive health, will be the first woman and first Black leader of Boston's largest university. WBUR's Radio Boston talks with Dr. Gilliam about what calls her to […]
Boston University announced Wednesday that Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam has been named the school's 11th president. Gilliam, 58, the executive vice president and provost at Ohio State University and a physician, will be BU's first woman and first Black president.
Boston University has named an Ohio State University administrator as its next president. Melissa L. Gilliam will be the first Black and first female president of the university. In that role, she will be tasked with continuing the university’s strong upward trajectory in academic standing and growing student diversity under the long tenure of Robert […]
