In 2024, Xavier University of Louisiana announced plans to establish its own medical school in partnership with Oschner Health. Once the forthcoming Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM) secures accreditation, it will become the fifth medical school in the United States at a historically Black college or university.
As Xavier gears up to launch their medical school, the HBCU has hired two new administrators to lead the college’s development and student success initiatives.
DeQuan M. Smith has been named the inaugural assistant dean for student success. In this role, he will lead the XOCOM Student Success Center, overseeing academic advising, career development, and student support services and initiatives. Dr. Smith previously served as assistant dean of student affairs and the inaugural assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. Dr. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and a master’s degree in sport management from Virginia State University. He earned a doctorate in educational leadership and management from Capella University.
Danita Beck Wickwire is the inaugural executive director of development at XOCOM, where she will lead all philanthropic efforts and strategic planning. With over 30 years of fundraising experience, Wickwire most recently served as vice president of strategic and principal giving at the National Audubon Society. Earlier in her career, she was senior associate director of principal gifts at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Wickwire earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts.
