HBCU Legends: Norman Francis, President of Xavier University, Louisiana

Beginning in 2009, SEF began producing a series of filmed interviews with education advocates and leaders at various stages in their careers to capture their personal stories, foster mentorship, and promote the intergenerational exchange of information and ideas on social change and education.

Dr. Norman C. Francis, President of Xavier University of Louisiana and the longest serving college president in the United States was interviewed for this effort and provided meaningful advice and wisdom on what real leadership looks like and what is needed from tomorrow's next generation of leaders (including our President) to make our society more equitable and just.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, Xavier continues to rank first nationally in the number of African American students earning undergraduate degrees in both the biological/life sciences and the physical sciences.

The College of Pharmacy, one of only two pharmacy schools in Louisiana, is among the nation’s top three producers of African American Doctor of Pharmacy degree recipients.

In pre-medical education, Xavier ranks first in the nation in placing African American students into medical schools, where it has been ranked since 1993.

Today Xavier retains its distinction as the only historically Black, Catholic University in the United States.