Dr. Norman C. Francis, legendary Xavier University president, dies at 94
Civil rights leader transformed nation’s only Catholic historically Black university into medical education powerhouse
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Dr. Norman C. Francis, the legendary civil rights leader and former president of Xavier University, died early Wednesday morning at Ochsner Hospital. He was 94 years old.
Verite News reports Francis died at the hospital Wednesday morning.
“Dr. Francis’ unwavering commitment to civil rights, educational opportunity and human dignity had an immeasurable impact on our city,” New Orleans mayor Helena Moreno said in a statement. “Beyond his historic achievements, I was blessed to call Dr. Francis a friend and to share a close bond with his beloved family. Today, we honor not only a trailblazer and visionary, but a compassionate leader whose life’s work will continue to inspire generations.”
For nearly 50 years, Francis led Xavier University, the nation’s only Catholic historically Black university, transforming it into a powerhouse for medical education. He was the first Black and lay president of the institution.
Beyond Xavier’s walls, Francis was a towering figure in New Orleans history. He played key roles in the civil rights movement and Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.
Francis advised eight U.S. presidents and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from George W. Bush in 2006.
The New Orleans City Council voted in 2020 to rename Jefferson Davis Parkway to Norman C. Francis Parkway in his honor.
The council on Wednesday issued a statement that called Francis “an extraordinary educator, civil rights leader and enduring pillar of the New Orleans community. ... His leadership extended far beyond campus grounds; he was a trusted voice for equity, justice and civic progress in New Orleans and across the nation.”
Former New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a statement, “New Orleans lost one of its greatest sons today. Dr. Norman C. Francis was not just a giant of education, he was the conscience of this city, and one of the most consequential Americans of the last century.
“I grew up watching my father, Moon Landrieu, work alongside Dr. Francis to build a New Orleans that was more just, more equal and more true to its own ideals. Dr. Francis didn’t just talk about what this city could be, he helped build it. Brick by brick, student by student, year after year, he turned Xavier University into a national treasure and a pipeline of Black doctors, scientists, and leaders that this country desperately needs.
“After Hurricane Katrina, when so many had given up on New Orleans, it was Norman Francis who stood in the breach, chairing the Louisiana Recovery Authority. And when I was mayor, I looked to Dr. Francis often for advice and counsel, including my toughest moments.”
Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson also expressed sorrow at the loss of Francis.
“As owner of the New Orleans Saints, I also want to recognize Dr. Francis’ early role in successfully appealing to the National Football League for an expansion franchise in New Orleans and his involvement as an investor in the team during its formative years.”
Congressman Troy Carter (D-Louisiana) of New Orleans said, “My heart is truly broken. Dr. Norman C. Francis was my mentor, a servant leader, and a giant whose steady hand shaped not only an institution but my family’s destiny. ... Dr. Francis was more than an administrator. He was an institution builder, a civil rights champion, and a man of quiet generosity. He believed education was the pathway to justice. He believed lifting one student could lift an entire family. In our case, he was right.”
Attorney General Liz Murrill also issued a statement that said, “I join all of Louisiana in mourning the passing of Norman C. Francis. His lifelong commitment to education and civil rights strengthened our state and changed countless lives. ... His legacy will endure for generations.”
The New Orleans East Hospital issued the following statement:
Today, New Orleans East Hospital joins the Francis family and the Xavier University of Louisiana community in mourning the passing of Dr. Norman C. Francis, a healthcare advocate, extraordinary educator, civil rights leader, and lifelong champion for opportunity and equity.
As President of Xavier University of Louisiana for more than four decades, Dr. Francis led its transformation into a national leader in healthcare education. Under his visionary leadership, Xavier became one of the nation’s top producers of African American medical professionals, sending more Black graduates to medical school than nearly any other college or university in the nation.
His unwavering commitment to academic excellence and access created life-changing pathways and expanded opportunities for generations of aspiring physicians, pharmacists, and healthcare leaders through scholarships and beyond. The ripple effect of his leadership continues to strengthen the healthcare workforce in our region and across the nation.
“The legacy of Dr. Francis is one of exemplary leadership that reshaped the healthcare landscape across this region,” said Dr. Takeisha Davis, Chief Executive Officer and President. “The true impact of his work will live on in the work we do at the New Orleans East Hospital, and in the diverse and talented professionals who care for our patients daily.”
“Dr. Francis understood that true health equity begins with educational opportunity and built one of the most critical pipelines for African American physicians and healthcare professionals in the nation,” said Ronald V. Burns, Sr., Board of Commissioners Chairman. “As a Board, we are committed to honoring his legacy by continuing to champion partnerships that expand access to healthcare education and ensure representation in medicine for generations to come.”
The New Orleans East Hospital Board of Commissioners, Administration, and staff extend heartfelt condolences to the Francis family, the Xavier community, and all who his extraordinary life of service inspired
No comments:
Post a Comment