Boston University (BU) has appointed Melissa L. Gilliam, M.D., as its 11th president, marking a historic milestone as the university’s first Black female leader since its founding in 1839.
A distinguished educator, physician, and scholar, Dr. Gilliam brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to advancing academic excellence and community engagement.
An Exemplary Academic and Professional Journey
Dr. Gilliam currently serves as the executive vice president and provost at The Ohio State University, where she has played a pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary research and enhancing diversity and inclusion initiatives.
She is also a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics, with a career dedicated to promoting adolescent health and well-being.
Dr. Gilliam’s academic achievements span multiple disciplines. She earned her undergraduate degree in English literature from Yale University and pursued a Master of Arts in philosophy and politics at the University of Oxford.
She later attended Harvard Medical School and holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Ties to Boston and a Vision for BU
Dr. Gilliam’s connections to Boston University extend to her time at Harvard Medical School, where she collaborated with BU’s School of Public Health on global health initiatives in Ecuador.
Her experience underscores her appreciation for BU’s engagement with the Boston community, a value she intends to uphold as president.
“Boston University has a storied history of inclusivity, innovation, and service,” Dr. Gilliam stated in her acceptance speech. “I am deeply honored to join a community committed to excellence and positive change.”
A Legacy of Breaking Barriers
Boston University has long been at the forefront of social progress. It was one of the first American universities to admit women, and in 1872, it became the first university to award a Ph.D. to a woman.
The appointment of Dr. Gilliam further cements BU’s commitment to diversity and leadership.
Dr. Gilliam succeeds Robert A. Brown, who served as BU’s president since 2005, and her appointment is set to usher in a new era of growth and innovation for the institution.
