OFFICE OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS
                   662-252-8000 ext. 4911
                   MS. SHIRLEY A. TAYLOR DILLARD, DIRECTOR     

   BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Shirley Dillard was born in Potts Camp, MS.  The 5th child of 7 siblings born to Jewel Leggs and Kirby Taylor.  Growing up on the farm, she always thought there had to be a better way of making a living.  Even though she graduated valedictorian of her high school, she was only awarded a $200.00 scholarship, so she did not pursue her college education until 15 years later. 

While working as secretary to the late Edgar E. Rankin, President of Mississippi Industrial College, she began taking night classes and matriculated there until the school became defunct in 1982. After enrolling in Rust College and a total of 7 years of evening courses, she received a B.S. degree in Business Management, in 1985.  By this time, she had 2 sons in college.

Shirley is married to Ralph Dillard, her childhood sweetheart, and they have 3 sons:  Jocephus, Julian, and Jerrold.  Their 4 grandchildren are: Tonya, Jolie, Wesley, and Chandler.

She worked in the consumer finance business for 19 years, and rose through the ranks to Vice President.  She has worked in management with Wal-Mart; served as Director of New Hope Village (homeless shelter and food pantry), and Accounts Clerk/Receptionist at the Bank of Holly Springs.

Always active in community affairs, she has served as Cub Scout Den Mother; Adult Sunday School Teacher; Parent Coordinator for ICS; Precinct Democratic Executive Committee Chair; Church Financial Secretary; Choir member, and Missionary Leader.

She loves traveling, meeting new people, decorating, and reading. She embraces all the above through serving her Alma Mater- Rust College, her church and her God.  Her motto is:  “Life Averages Out.”