Dr. Norman Francis 

In the fall of 2002, at the age of 71, Dr. Norman Francis, president of Xavier University, guided the school to a record enrollment of over 4,000 students, more than doubling enrollment in less than 20 years.

Keeping pace with enrollment, Dr. Francis also directed the explosive growth of Xavier’s campus. In the last five years alone, he has raised more than $75 million dollars for new construction and renovations. Dubbed as New Orleans’ own Emerald City with its preponderance of aqua-green roofs continuously springing up, Xavier University stands proud and serves as a testament to the vitality of our community.

Dr. Francis: “Life begins at 65 when the experience of those earlier years comes to full bloom in what is your chosen profession or purpose. For example, when I first started I could not have taken the mission of Xavier, with as few funds as it had, and developed it into what it is today. It took time and perseverance.”

Xavier’s success has funneled millions of dollars into the New Orleans economy and brings national attention to the educational achievements of this increasingly influential university. The person driving this success is Dr. Norman Francis — your first Tenet Choices Champion.