[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 16162-16163]
[From the U.S. 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 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

[[Page 16163]]

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.

                          ____________________