The Unexpected Resignation of the President of the University of the District of Columbia

William L. Pollard has resigned his position as president of the University of the District of Columbia. His resignation came as a surprise because Pollard and the university’s board of trustees had come to terms on a new five-year contract for Pollard last October.

Dr. Pollard had made significant progress on many fronts including increased enrollments, improvements to the physical plant, and the accreditation of the university’s law school.

But sources at the university report that the board was not satisfied with the progress made on longstanding management problems, fundraising efforts, and the adherence to NCAA rules on student eligibility for the university’s athletic teams.

Dr. Pollard came to the University of the District Columbia in 2002. Prior to his appointment he was the dean of the College of Human Services and Health Professions at Syracuse University. A graduate of Shaw University, the historically black college in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dr. Pollard holds a master’s of social work degree from the University of North Carolina and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.