Norman C. Francis, Influential Leader of Xavier and New Orleans, Dies at 94

The longtime president of Xavier University was a key figure in the city's civil rights, business, and education spheres.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Norman C. Francis, who led Xavier University for nearly 50 years and was a prominent civic leader in New Orleans, died at the age of 94. Francis was a trailblazer as the first Black and lay president of Xavier, the country's only Catholic HBCU, and played pivotal roles in the city's civil rights movement, recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina, and the founding of institutions like Liberty Bank. Friends and family praised Francis' lifelong commitment to treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Why it matters

Norman C. Francis was one of the most influential figures in New Orleans' recent history, shaping the city's civic, cultural, and economic landscape through his leadership at Xavier University and involvement in key institutions and initiatives. His legacy as an educator, civil rights advocate, and community leader continues to impact the city and its residents.

The details

Francis became the first Black and lay president of Xavier University in 1968, a highly unusual move at the time. Under his leadership, the university grew significantly, expanding its programs and enrollment, and becoming a leading producer of Black graduates who go on to medical school. Francis was also a founder of Liberty Bank, one of the country's leading Black-owned financial institutions, and an early investor in the New Orleans Saints. After Hurricane Katrina, he chaired the Louisiana Recovery Authority and successfully reopened Xavier on an expedited timeline despite massive damage to the campus.

  • Francis became the president of Xavier University in 1968.
  • Francis retired from Xavier University in 2015 after nearly 50 years as president.
  • In 2020, the New Orleans City Council voted to rename the street running along Xavier's campus to Norman C. Francis Parkway.
  • Francis passed away on February 18, 2026 at the age of 94.

The players

Norman C. Francis

The longtime president of Xavier University and a prominent civic leader in New Orleans who played key roles in the city's civil rights movement, recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina, and the founding of institutions like Liberty Bank.

Xavier University

The only Catholic Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the country, which Francis led as president for nearly 50 years.

Liberty Bank

One of the country's leading Black-owned financial institutions that Francis helped found.

New Orleans Saints

The NFL team that Francis was an early investor in.

Louisiana Recovery Authority

The group that Francis chaired to oversee the state's rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina.

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What they’re saying

“The most defining part of his character is he treats every human being with dignity and respect. There is the promise of America that we're all coming to the table of democracy as equals, and he's the personification of it. What more can you say about a human being?”

— Mitch Landrieu, Former Mayor of New Orleans (Verite News)

“If we had not done that — given leadership to Dr. Francis — I'm sure Xavier would not be what it is today.”

— Sister Patricia Suchalski, Former Xavier Board Member (Verite News)

“It shows you his strength, his ability to make things happen. Even with the campus totally devastated, he knew he couldn't let those kids not have their education.”

— Alden McDonald, CEO of Liberty Bank (Verite News)

What’s next

The Norman C. Francis Leadership Institute, founded in 2015 to honor Francis' legacy, will continue to promote his values of equity, service, and opportunity through educational programs and community initiatives.

The takeaway

Norman C. Francis' life and work exemplified a steadfast commitment to civil rights, education, and community uplift. His transformative leadership at Xavier University and pivotal role in shaping New Orleans' civic, cultural, and economic landscape have left an indelible mark on the city and its people.