Michael Dillard, EdD

Dr. Michael Dillard is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at Rutgers University–Newark. Dr. Dillard previously served as the director of the Rutgers RU Ready (RUR) for Work Program, where under his leadership the program created a pipeline of students with 100% high school graduation and college acceptance rates, with about 60% of those students pursuing degrees at Rutgers-Newark. His research interests center around non-traditional students, particularly which services and programs are being created that enable them to thrive. His teaching style focuses on leadership-based courses, where students learn the skill sets needed to manage in organizations, and his classes feature various guest speakers and off-campus sessions where students can really understand how theory and practice are connected. Dr. Dillard is a contributing author to at least one published book that provides innovative insights into the development and advancement of online instruction and educational technology to engage students from diverse backgrounds. He is also a public speaker on topics of college persistence and long-term care.