Statement on the Passing of Dr. Norman C. Francis

 

“My heart is truly broken.

 

“Dr. Norman C. Francis was my mentor, a servant leader, and a giant whose steady hand shaped not only an institution but my family’s destiny. His leadership at Xavier University of Louisiana was historic. He broke barriers as the first Black and first lay president of the university, and only the second African American to lead a Catholic university in the United States. For forty-seven years, he guided Xavier with principled, unwavering strength, becoming the longest-serving university president in the nation. He built buildings, expanded opportunity, welcomed the Freedom Riders, rebuilt after Katrina, and transformed Xavier into a national leader in preparing students for medical and professional schools.

 

“But for me, this is personal.

 

“In 1971, fifty-five years ago, my mother, Eartha Flemings Carter, graduated from Xavier as a mother of six children. She balanced textbooks and bedtime stories, faith and responsibility. Under Dr. Francis’ generous leadership, and within the loving embrace of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, she found a safe and nurturing space to pursue her education. The nuns encouraged her. The university believed in her. Dr. Francis preserved a culture where discipline, dignity, and faith walked hand in hand.

 

“When my mother crossed that stage, she carried six children with her in spirit. That moment became a Carter tradition.

 

“My Momz.

My sister, Jillandra Carter-Rovaris

Me, Troy A. Carter, Sr.

My son, Troy A. Carter, II

My nephew, Gary M. Carter, II

My nieces, China, Chontel, Joy, Chandler Carter,

And a host of other relatives.

 

“We are proud Xavierites because Xavier helped shape who we are.

 

“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. In our case, he was right.

 

“I was proud to introduce legislation alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to honor this extraordinary leader. His life was long, accomplished, and profoundly impactful. Now it is up to us to carry forward his legacy by advancing educational equity, justice, and opportunity for generations to come.

 

“Today, he is reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife, Ms. Blanche, having heard the words every faithful servant longs to hear: well done.

 

“My prayers are with his loved ones and with our entire Xavier family. May he rest in eternal peace.”