Norman C. Francis, Civil Rights Champion, Dies at 94

The former Xavier University president played a key role in rebuilding New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Norman C. Francis, a pioneering civil rights leader and longtime president of Xavier University in New Orleans, has died at the age of 94. Francis was known for his work in advancing education and civil rights, and he played a pivotal role in the rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city.

Why it matters

Francis was a towering figure in the civil rights movement and in the New Orleans community. As president of Xavier University for nearly 50 years, he transformed the school into a nationally recognized institution that produced many Black graduates in the sciences and medical fields. His leadership after Hurricane Katrina was also crucial in helping the city recover.

The details

Francis grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana and became the first Black student to attend Loyola University's law school in 1955. He later joined the U.S. Attorney General's office to help integrate federal agencies. In 1957, he began his long tenure as president of Xavier University, where he oversaw a period of tremendous growth and expansion. After Hurricane Katrina, Francis chaired the Louisiana Recovery Authority and was instrumental in the city's rebuilding efforts.

  • Norman C. Francis died on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Francis became president of Xavier University in 1968 and held the position for 47 years until his death.

The players

Norman C. Francis

A pioneering civil rights leader and longtime president of Xavier University in New Orleans, who played a key role in the city's rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina.

Reynold Verret

The current president of Xavier University, who confirmed Francis' death in a statement.

Mitch Landrieu

The former mayor of New Orleans, who said he often turned to Francis for advice and counsel, especially during the difficult times after Katrina.

Troy Carter

A U.S. Representative from Louisiana, who praised Francis as an "institution builder, a civil rights champion, and a man of quiet generosity."

Blanche Francis

Norman C. Francis' wife, who passed away in 2015.

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What they’re saying

“The nation is better and richer for his having lived among us.”

— Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University (ksgf.com)

“After Katrina, Francis 'stood in the breach.' Landrieu said he often turned to Francis for advice and counsel — including in 'his toughest moments.'”

— Mitch Landrieu, Former Mayor of New Orleans (ksgf.com)

“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.”

— Troy Carter, U.S. Representative from Louisiana (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The funeral and memorial services for Norman C. Francis are expected to draw large crowds of community members, civil rights leaders, and educators from across Louisiana and the country.

The takeaway

Norman C. Francis' life and legacy exemplify the power of education, civil rights advocacy, and community leadership to transform lives and uplift entire communities. His decades-long tenure at Xavier University and his pivotal role in New Orleans' recovery after Hurricane Katrina cemented his status as a towering figure in the history of the city and the nation.