WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2024 – Howard University is pleased to announce the appointments of Hazel M. Cherry (M.Div. ’15), and Joseph Dillard, (B.A. ’13, J.D. ’16) , to new assistant dean positions in the Office of the Dean of the Chapel. Both bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the University’s mission of fostering spiritual growth, leadership, and community engagement. 

Hazel M. Cherry, M.Div., will serve as assistant dean of the Chapel, where her creative and spiritual leadership will greatly enhance the Chapel’s ministry and outreach efforts. Cherry is a distinguished preacher, storyteller, media curator, and educator with over two decades of experience at the intersection of faith, advocacy, and education. She most recently served as Director of Student Affairs at Howard University School of Divinity, where she played a critical role in student advising, pastoral care, and weekly chapel services.  

"Rev. Cherry’s dedication and creative spirit bring a unique perspective to our chapel," said Bernard L. Richardson, Ph.D., dean of the Chapel. "Her commitment to faith, education, and advocacy will be an invaluable addition to the Rankin Chapel community." 

Throughout her career, Cherry has been a passionate advocate for equity and empowerment, specifically for Black women. She has mobilized faith communities to advocate for public school equity, worked as a faith-based community organizer with The Expectations Project, and has also served as a youth pastor and associate pastor to Women. Her collaboration with Green the Church, a Black church environmental justice initiative, further reflects her commitment to sustainability and advocacy. 

In addition to her ministry work, Cherry is a published poet and writer whose works have appeared in Essence, Faithfully Magazine, and Religious Dispatches. She was also nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Cherry holds a masters of divinity from Howard University’s School of Divinity, a master of fine arts in creative writing from American University, and a bachelor of arts in pastoral studies from Patten University.  

Cherry is the proud mother of her young son, Micah Amal Robinson. As she steps into her new role, she is inspired by Maya Angelou’s words: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” 

Joseph Dillard, J.D. will lead as position of assistant dean of community outreach and engagement within the Chapel.  

In this role, Dillard will spearhead student outreach, service-learning, and community engagement initiatives. He will continue to administer the nationally recognized Howard University Alternative Spring Break (HUASB) program and Howard University Day of Service (HUDOS), while also managing the Chapel’s digital footprint and partnerships with student groups and community organizations. 

Dillard’s promotion is a natural progression of his work over the past three years as the program coordinator and interim administrator for HUASB. He has played a key role in the development of the Chapel’s digital strategy, especially during the challenges of remote learning in 2020, significantly increasing student and community engagement. 

A proud Howard University alumnus, Dillard holds a bachelor of arts in political science with honors and a juris doctorate from Howard University School of Law. His passion for developing student leaders aligns with Howard’s mission to create civically engaged global leaders. 

“Mr. Dillard has a gift and commitment to developing the next generation of student leaders, and his dedication to Howard University is evident,” said Richardson. “We look forward to the impact he will continue to make in his expanded role.” 

Please join Howard University in congratulating Hazel M. Cherry and Joseph Dillard on their new roles and in celebrating their contributions to the Chapel and University communities.