Xavier University of Louisiana has elected five distinguished leaders to its Board of Trustees, strengthening the University's governance with nationally recognized expertise in higher education, healthcare, business, communications, philanthropy, and public service. The newly elected trustees will serve three-year terms.

Joining the Board are Sheri Barros, Dr. Loren J. Blanchard ‘84, Sr. Donna Breslin, S.B.S., Teal Holden ‘02, and Deanna Rodriguez. Re-elected to additional three-year terms are Gladstone Jones III, The Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle ‘71, Alexandra Allen, James Mitchell Jr., and Angela Vallot.

The appointments reflect Xavier's ongoing commitment to assembling a Board whose members bring exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a deep dedication to advancing the University's Catholic and historically Black mission. Collectively, the trustees help guide Xavier as it continues to build upon a century of excellence while preparing students to lead and serve in an increasingly complex world.

At its summer meeting, the Board also elected its officers. Gladstone Jones III will serve as Board Chair, with Teal Holden and Angela Vallot serving as Vice Chairs. Justin Augustine III assumes the role of Immediate Past Chair, while James Swanson has been named Trustee Emeritus. Dr. Jennifer Adams will continue to serve as Board Secretary.

The University's newest trustees represent accomplished leaders across multiple sectors:

• Sheri Barros, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer of  ZERO Prostate Cancer (The National Prostate Cancer Coalition) in Alexandria, VA. She holds a B.S. in Psychology, Performance Management from Florida State University, an M.S. in Kinesiology, Sport Management from University of North Texas and a Certificate in Entertainment, Media and Sports from Harvard Business School.
• Dr. Loren J. Blanchard (’84), President of California State University, Long Beach, having previously served as President of the University of Houston-Downtown. He holds degrees from Xavier University of Louisiana, McNeese State University, and the University of Georgia.
• Sr. Donna Breslin, S.B.S., a member of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. She currently serves as Assistant Director, SSJ Center for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation in Philadelphia, PA. Sr. Donna holds a B.S. in Social Work from Temple University and an MSW from Rutgers University.
• Teal Holden ('02), Senior Vice President of Memorial Hermann Health System in Ambulatory Services, Post-Acute Care & Community Health. Ms. Holden holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Xavier, an MSHA in Healthcare Administration from Houston Baptist University, and an MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas.
• Deanna Rodriguez, President and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. She holds a master’s degree in public affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin.

 

Trustees continuing their terms include Dr. Michelle Detwiler, Dr. Richard Gilder, Sr. Stephanie Henry S.B.S., Ms. Suzanne Malveaux, Ms. Claudia Marmolejo, Mr. Meredith Marshall, Sr. Jane Nesmith S.B.S., Mr. Lyon Polk, Dr. Derek Robinson, Mr. Thomas Rosenfield, Ms. Carita Walker and Mr. Joseph West. Xavier President Reynold Verret serves as an ex-officio member of the Board.