Civil Rights Icon and Former Xavier President Norman C. Francis Dies at 94

Francis was a pioneering leader in education and advocacy who transformed Xavier University during his 47-year tenure as president.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Norman C. Francis, a renowned civil rights leader and the first Black and non-ordained president of Xavier University, passed away on February 18, 2026 at the age of 94. Francis served as Xavier's president from 1968 until his retirement in 2015, during which time he more than tripled enrollment and helped the university become a leading producer of Black medical school graduates. He was also a co-founder of Liberty Bank and Trust Company and played a key role in the development of the Caesars Superdome and the NFL's investment in the New Orleans Saints.

Why it matters

Francis was a towering figure in the civil rights movement and in higher education, using his leadership positions to advance racial equality and provide educational opportunities for generations of students. His passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a revered community leader and institution-builder in New Orleans.

The details

During his 47-year tenure as president of Xavier University, Francis transformed the institution, more than tripling enrollment and helping it become a leading producer of Black medical school graduates. He was also a co-founder of Liberty Bank and Trust Company and was instrumental in the development of the Caesars Superdome and the NFL's investment in the New Orleans Saints.

  • Norman C. Francis became the first Black and non-ordained president of Xavier University in 1968.
  • Francis served as Xavier's president until his retirement in 2015.
  • Francis passed away on February 18, 2026 at the age of 94.
  • A two-day funeral service for Francis will be held on March 2-3, 2026.
  • Francis will be buried at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 on March 3, 2026.

The players

Norman C. Francis

A renowned civil rights leader and the first Black and non-ordained president of Xavier University, serving in that role from 1968 to 2015.

Xavier University

A private, historically Black university in New Orleans, Louisiana, where Francis served as president for 47 years.

Liberty Bank and Trust Company

A bank that Francis co-founded in 1972.

Caesars Superdome

A major sports and entertainment venue in New Orleans, whose development Francis was instrumental in.

New Orleans Saints

An NFL team whose investment in New Orleans Francis helped facilitate.

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What they’re saying

“Every Xavier graduate who carries forward the mission of service, leadership, and academic excellence does so in his shadow and in his honor. His life's work endures, in this institution, city, and in the countless lives changed because he believed deeply in the transformative power of education.”

— Xavier University (The Tulane Hullabaloo)

“His legacy of leading with integrity, grace and scholarly rigor will inspire generations to come. I am grateful to have known him, and I share my deepest condolences with his family, friends and colleagues.”

— Mike Fitts, Tulane University President (LinkedIn)

“While many knew him as the former president of Xavier University, as a civil rights leader, and as a respected voice for justice and equality on both the local and national stage, we knew him simply as Daddy — a man whose greatest joy came from family gatherings, quiet moments of prayer, and encouraging those around him to live with purpose and kindness.”

— Francis' family (The Tulane Hullabaloo)

What’s next

On March 2 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Francis's body will lie in state in Xavier's Convocation Center. A program will begin at 5 p.m., led by Rev. Curtis Guillory. Visitation will be held at St. Louis Cathedral on March 3 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.

The takeaway

Norman C. Francis' life and legacy exemplify the transformative power of education, civil rights advocacy, and servant leadership. As a pioneering Black university president and respected voice for justice, he leaves an indelible mark on Xavier University, New Orleans, and the broader community that he tirelessly served for nearly five decades.