Dive Brief:
- Xavier University of Louisiana President Dr. Norman C. Francis announced on Thursday that he will step down on June 30, 2015.
- With 47 years at the university's reins, Francis is the longest-serving university president in the United States.
- A release from the university celebrates the steady stream of recognition for academic achievement, rigorous graduation requirements, scholarly athletes, and intellectual and moral quality that the university enjoyed during Francis' tenure.
Dive Insight:
The release also spotlights that Francis was practically with the university since enrolling as a freshman in 1948. That its enrollment tripled and its endowment increased beyond $160 million from $20 million — not to mention the physical growth of the campus from five to 16 buildings and around 63 acres of green space — speaks volumes for the outgoing president's vision for the institution and the passion with which he led it.
Xavier's Board of Trustees have yet to formally announce the search for a new president, and the release says the school is currently focused on celebrating Francis' legacy.