Dillard's Athletic Director, Dr Linda Bell, Listed on 'The Top 50 Women Leaders of Louisiana for 2025'

NEW ORLEANS, LA– Women We Admire announced their list of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Louisiana for 2025 earlier today. According to their website, Women We Admire is an organization comprised of "some of the most accomplished women executives and leaders across the U.S. and Canada." Women We Admire is proud to to be one of the fastest-growing professional women's network where their main goal is to "provide members with powerful leadership insights and an unrivaled close-knit community of extraordinary women who enrich each other's career journeys." The organization and its affiliates circulate their content to over 32,000 individuals and businesses according to their website.

Dr. Linda Bell falls at number 48 on the list and this is what Women We Admire said about her career at Dillard University thus far:

"Linda Bell is entering her third year as the Athletic Director at Dillard University, where she has made significant strides in enhancing both academic achievement and athletic performance. Under her guidance, increase student-athlete enrollment, increased the academic standard, and increased the graduation rate. More than 125 athletes have attained a GPA of 3.0 or higher, showcasing her commitment to academic excellence. She has also spearheaded improvements to the university's athletic facilities. During her tenure, Dillard's athletic teams have secured 10 HBCUAC Conference Championships, also known as the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) championships, women's volleyball, women's cross country, men's and women's track and field, and baseball. Furthermore, Bell has enhanced the department's visibility through increased engagement on social media and partnerships with the communication department to create the Dillard Bleu Devil Network for streaming service.

An advocate for collegiate athletics, Bell has served on various committees, including the NCAA Division II Championship Committee and NCAA Division III Super Region II Football Regional Advisory Committee. She holds membership in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and has served as president of the CIAA Volleyball Coaches Association. Bell has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Saint Paul's College, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctor of Business Administration in Innovation and Strategy from the University of the Southwest. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and is the devoted mother of two daughters."

Dr. Bell is proud of where Dillard University has come and only has hopes to continue elevating the department. For the full list of Women Leaders of Louisiana for 2025 please visit thewomenweadmire.com.

-Bleu Devils-