Tagged: Xavier University of Louisiana

In Memoriam: Norman C. Francis, 1931-2026

Norman C. Francis served as president of historically Black Xavier University of Louisiana for nearly five decades. When he retired in 2015, he was the longest-tenured university president in the United States.

Higher Education Gifts or Grants of Interest to African Americans

Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.

In Memoriam: Victor Emmanuel Laroche, 1959-2026

At the time of his passing, Larcohe had been serving as university chaplain and special assistant to the president for Catholic identity at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Loren J. Blanchard Appointed President of California State University, Long Beach

Dr. Blanchard has served as president of the University of Houston-Downtown for the past five years. He is slated to assume the presidency of California State University, Long Beach on May 1.

Five African Americans Selected for Administrative Roles at Universities

Here is this week’s roundup of African Americans who have been appointed to new administrative positions at colleges and universities throughout the United States. If you have news for our appointments section, please email the information to contact@jbhe.com.

Nannette C. Turner to Lead the College of Health Professions at Mercer University

Dr. Turner currently serves as executive associate dean of Mercer University's College of Health Professions. A faculty member for nearly two decades, she has over 25 years of experience as public practitioner in Texas and Georgia.

In Memoriam: Jamie Theresa Phelps, 1941-2025

As director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana, Dr. Phelps challenged the Catholic Church to better understand itself through the voices and experiences of Black Catholics and those on the margins. 

A Pair of New Administrators Join the Forthcoming Xavier University of Louisiana Medical School

DeQuan M. Smith is the inaugural assistant dean for student success and Danita Beck Wickwire is the inaugural executive director of development for the Xavier Oscher College of Medicine, which is slated to become the fifth medical school at a historically Black educational institution.

Two New Orleans-Based HBCUs Receive Large Donations From MacKenzie Scott

“If anyone ever doubts the difference one person can make, look no further than MacKenzie Scott and how her generosity will resonate across generations,” says Dr. Monique Guillory, President of Dillard University, which received a $19 million gift from Scott. Xavier University of Louisiana received a $38 million donation.

Dozens of Employees Laid Off at Xavier University of Louisiana

Nearly 50 staff members from several departments at Xavier University of Louisiana have been laid off. The HBCU cites recent financial challenges amidst a “changing higher education landscape” as the reason for the reduction in staff.

A Trio of Black Scientists Selected for New Positions in Academia

Vera Combs, a pharmacology and toxicology scholar at Hampton University, and Santiba Campell, associate professor of psychology at Bennett College, are taking on new leadership roles at their institutions. Additionally, L'Issa Campbell has joined the faculty at the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine.

Five HBCUs to Participate in Campus Sustainability Pilot Program

Beginning in the upcoming spring 2026 semester, Clark Atlanta University, Morgan State University, Spelman College, Texas Southern University, and Xavier University of Louisiana will participate in a new program to improve sustainability practices on HBCU campuses and train the next generation of leaders in clean energy.

The Top-Ranked HBCUs According to U.S. News and World Report

For the nineteenth consecutive year, U.S. News and World Report has named Spelman College in Atlanta the best HBCU in the country. Howard University was second, Morehouse College was third, Tuskegee University was fourth, and Florida A&M University was fifth. These five institutions have topped the magazine's annual list for three years in a row.

Global Nonprofit to Launch New Initiative to Advance Neuroscience Education at HBCUs

“By investing in neuroscience research at HBCUs, Black In Neuro wants to ensure that Black neuroscientists will always have a seat at the table as leaders, innovators, and game changers in the field,” writes Jheannelle Johnson, development director for the global nonprofit organization, Black in Neuro.

No HBCUs Are Included in LinkedIn’s Inaugural List of the Top 50 Best Colleges for Long-Term Success

Although no HBCUs were included in a new LinkedIn report regarding the top colleges for alumni career outcomes, the networking website released a supplemental ranking list of the top HBCUs for long-term career success, with Howard University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College receiving the best evaluations.

In Memoriam: Frank Benjamin Wilderson, Jr., 1931-2025

Dr. Wilderson was the first Black professor hired into a tenure-track position at the University of Minnesota. An educational psychologist, he played a key role in the development of the university's African American studies program.

Four Black Administrators Appointed to Leadership Roles in Higher Education

The administrators taking on new leadership roles are Johnny Woods at Yakima Valley College in Washington, Rachel Davis at Grambling State University in Louisiana, Heather Freeman at Xavier University of Louisiana, and Angel Pointer at South Carolina State University.

Higher Education Gifts or Grants of Interest to African Americans

Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.

Eleven HBCUs Receive New “Opportunity College” Designation From Carnegie Classifications

The newly created "Opportunity Colleges and Universities" designation from Carnegie Classifications highlights institutions that successfully enroll students that reflect the communities they serve and whose alumni go on to earn competitive wages compared to their peers.

Xavier University of Louisiana Is the First HBCU to Offer a Varsity-Level Rowing Team

"Launching this team of athletes onto the competitive national stage is not just about rowing — it's about building a community, inspiring our students, and creating opportunities for growth both on and off the water," said the program's founders.
Load more

Get the FREE JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

Featured Jobs

Breaking News

In Memoriam: Norman C. Francis, 1931-2026

Breaking News
Norman C. Francis served as president of historically Black Xavier University of Louisiana for nearly five decades. When he retired in 2015, he was the longest-tenured university president in the United States.

Eric Wilcots to Lead the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Breaking News
A faculty member since 1995, Dr. Wilcots currently serves as dean of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's College of Letters & Science. He is slated to become the institution's interim president on May 17.

JBHE Jobs

About Us

JBHE is dedicated to the conscientious investigation of the status and prospects for African Americans in higher education.

Phone: (570) 392-6797

Get the FREE JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

BRUCON Publishing Company © 2026