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NOBA Remembers Dr. Norman C. Francis

Posted on: Feb 18, 2026
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NOBA remembers Dr. Norman C. Francis, President Emeritus of Xavier University of Louisiana and visionary leader for New Orleans. Dr. Francis passed away on February 18, 2026. He was 94.

In 2012, Dr. Francis received the New Orleans Bar Association’s Fleur De Lis Visionary Award, named to describe Dr. Francis’ extraordinary commitment to New Orleans, exemplified through living a life of service in the highest ideals of citizenship and leadership.

Dr. Francis earned a B.S. degree from Xavier University, following which he became the first African American to enroll at Loyola University Law School where he received his J.D. in 1955. He served a tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Germany, then returned to New Orleans in 1957 to dual roles, as Dean of Men at Xavier and to serve of counsel to the law firm of Collins, Douglas & Elie. While practicing law, he realized that he could help more people through education. Education was his calling and by 1968, he had risen to the post of President of Xavier University.

For decades, at times prosperous and at times turbulent, Dr. Francis was a visionary leader not just for his university, but for all of New Orleans. Deeply rooted in his faith, he worked towards a New Orleans that develops its people to their highest potential. Dr. Francis’ contribution to education, civil rights and the rebuilding of New Orleans demonstrate the greater possibilities he saw for all of us.