Pioneering Educator Norman Francis Transforms Xavier University
Renowned president Norman Francis led Xavier University into a new era, driving growth and expanding educational opportunities for students. Learn about his transformative impact on the university.
Norman Francis, a pioneering educator who transformed Xavier University into a nationally renowned institution during his 47-year tenure as president, died on March 23 at his home in New Orleans. He was 94.
His death was confirmed by Xavier University, where he had served as president from 1968 until his retirement in 2015. Under his leadership, the historically Black university in New Orleans experienced tremendous growth, expanding its enrollment, facilities, and academic programs.
When Francis took over as president, Xavier was a small, regional college with an enrollment of just 3,000 students. By the time he stepped down, it had become a comprehensive university with more than 7,000 students, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}Source: The New York Times
