[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 143 (Thursday, November 20, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6193-S6194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING DR. NORMAN CHRISTOPHER FRANCIS

 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I wish to recognize and honor Dr. 
Norman Christopher Francis, who has devoted much of his life to 
increasing access to, quality of, and affordability of postsecondary 
education for students. Dr. Francis recently retired from his 
remarkable tenure as president of Xavier University, a renowned 
Historically Black University and one of Louisiana's most cherished 
institutions of higher education. He has left behind an indelible mark 
of impressive leadership and results. On behalf of the U.S. Senate and 
the State of Louisiana, I applaud Dr. Francis for his devotion to 
Louisiana's higher education system and thank him for his many years of 
service.
  Dr. Francis began his journey in the field of higher education 
country more than 60 years ago as a student at Xavier University and 
grew into a cherished leader who later served as the university's 
president for 46 years. This makes him the longest tenured leader of 
any university in America--quite a remarkable achievement. He is one of 
the most admired and respected leaders not only in New Orleans and 
Louisiana but in our Nation today. In an extraordinary career, he took 
an active and vital leadership role during the tumultuous decades of 
civil rights battles in

[[Page S6194]]

Louisiana. Decades later, he helped Governor Kathleen Blanco guide our 
State out of one of its darkest periods following the devastating 
impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita as chairman of the Louisiana 
Recovery Authority. His leadership and expertise played an important 
role in the rebuilding of a world-class quality, State public higher 
education system.
  On a personal note, Dr. Francis is one of our family's closest and 
most cherished friends, and he has most certainly earned his 
retirement. And as a devoted family man, I know he is looking forward 
to more time with his dear wife Blanche, children and growing 
grandchildren.
  I am proud that Louisiana's higher education system, especially our 
valued Historically Black Colleges and Universities, have had the 
strong leadership and guidance of Dr. Francis over the years and I am 
grateful for his service. Dr. Francis' leadership as the president of 
Xavier University will be missed; however, I have full faith and trust 
that he will continue to lead in improving the educational prospects 
and outcomes for Louisiana's students in whatever role he pursues next. 
Once again, I am privileged and honored to formally recognize Dr. 
Norman Christopher Francis for his commitment and efforts to strengthen 
higher education in Louisiana and the Nation.

                          ____________________