— she not only was the first woman to lead a public college or university in Louisiana, she also was the first woman in the US to serve as chief administrator for a university system. Later, Spikes became the 11th president of the University of Maryland Eastern Shoreand its first female presidentfrom 19962001.

Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes, was appointed to assume the position of President effective January 13, 1997. She served as President of the Southern University and A&M College System from October 29, 1988 to December 31, 1996. She was the first female head of a Louisiana public college or university.

Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes was born on August 24, 1936 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Margaret and Lawrence Richard. Dolores credits her parents, as the single greatest influence on her life. She departed her life on Monday, June 1, 2015.