Timi Olaniyi

Dean Millard shares his experience on being the first Black Student Body President.

Dean Millard, the first Black Student Body President at Villanova, knew that he wanted to attend the University since he was five years old, and his passion has remained unwavering.

Since his presidency began last April, the University has already witnessed some noticeable shifts since his term began, ranging from SGA’s working with dining to increasing sustainability, and free menstrual products for the first time in school history. In all of these novel respects, Millard is no stranger to trailblazing. 

“The people make this place so special,” Millard said. “So, having this platform to advocate for others means the world to me.”

During his time at the University, Millard has been incredibly involved in student government. Now, he leads along with his team, including Student Body Vice President Aleko Zeppos, Vice President of DEI Kenza Idrissi, Chief of Staff Timi Olyani and Student Government Advisors Eloise Berry and JJ Brown.

Millard finds himself serving in a time of intense pushback against universities at the Federal level and has to navigate these current obstacles for the Villanova student body. 

Within the past week, President Donald Trump has issued statements to universities, putting pressure on collegiate administration to cut their diversity, equity and inclusion programs and scholarships, while Millard has spent his time as student body president actively working to uphold DEI.

“I commend our administration for being very staunch in diversity, equity and inclusion,” Millard said. “When there’s continued pressure to scale DEI motives down, it says a lot when the administration  moves forward anyway and spreads our values.”

To that end, Millard has also played a pivotal role in fostering DEI initiatives on campus, including being on the committee to select the new University Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,  Ariella Robbins. 

“I am confident that we can all come to the table together and exchange and uphold mutual respect and discuss diversity, equity and inclusion,” Millard said. “It’s not political, you just have a place here. We’re an educational institution, it’s important that we share different perspectives.”

Millard also emphasized the importance of understanding that DEI is more than just words, it is action.

“It’s bigger than just words, it’s lived experience and it’s action,” he said. “Diversity of thought, gender, equity and so on. Inclusion is very key, we want to make this place our ‘new home,’ and this is home. It’s important you feel valued, heard and comfortable.”

As the first Black Student Body President, Millard states that it has been nothing short of gratifying, and he enjoys the busy schedule.

“It’s exciting because no two days are the same, and the days are busy,” Millard said. “This is fun for me, being very productive. People come up to me and say, ‘I’ve noticed this.’ I love being someone people can bounce ideas off of.”

As Millard makes his way through his final semester at the University, he has dedicated much thought to the legacy that he wishes to leave behind. 

“If you want to talk about legacy, look at how things look after you leave,” Millard said. “ I believe that there’s a lot of growth and construction going on.”

Despite it being the last semester for Millard, he believes that there is plenty more to do prior to leaving. 

“Symbolically, a goal is making the path to this position more attainable for students that look like me,” Millard said. “That’s the history part of this, representing all of the Villanova students.”

Additionally, he shared that he is incredibly proud of the Student Government Association but specifically commended the freshmen who have recently assumed their positions this academic year. While sad to part ways with the University, Millard believes student government is in good hands.

Outside of the scope of Student Government, Millard urges students to, “pursue [their] greatest aspirations.”

“Nothing is out of your reach as long as you put in the work and you put your all into it,” Millard said. “Sometimes people will challenge you, but remain rooted and restless and be very purposeful and intentional. I’m very focused on [persevering], resilience and service, and I look forward to pursuing public service.”

Millard has already made history and attributes it to the Villanova student body for allowing him to do so.

“I am the first Black Student Body President, but I hope that I am not the last,” Millard said. “I am confident that I will not be the last.”