New Orleans, La. – The Board of Trustees at Xavier University of Louisiana has been selected as a recipient of the John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), the premier organization advocating strategic board governance in higher education. AGB and its mission partner TIAA, a Fortune 100 financial services organization, present the Nason Award to higher education governing boards that demonstrate exceptional leadership and initiative.

As Xavier approaches one hundred years of service dedicated to the education and advancement of those historically marginalized, its Board of Trustees has been a leader in promoting the institution’s goal to deepen and broaden its impact for its next 100 years. Xavier’s Board of Trustees was recognized as a John W. Nason awardee for its contribution to several strategic initiatives to improve the lives of Xavier students and further elevate the prodigious legacy of the nation’s only Black and Catholic institution of higher education.

“Xavier University of Louisiana is blessed to host a Board of Trustees that is just as dedicated as it is to the mission to promote a more just and humane society bestowed on us nearly a century ago by our foundress, Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament,” said Dr. Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. “I offer my sincerest congratulations and gratitude for all that they have done and will continue to do in support of this great institution.”

In November, Xavier announced the launch of its Centennial Campaign and strategic vision. Xavier’s Board was instrumental in securing $65 million of its $500 million campaign goal preemptively. To better serve the needs of current and future students, the Board is a leader in initiatives to modernize campus housing and address deferred maintenance needs, which were also outlined in the plan presented by Xavier.

“As a board, we faced a turning point 8 years ago when our President of 47 years retired, and we recruited a renowned scientist and educator to build on our legacy and create the campus and curriculum for the future.” said Justin Augustine III, Chair of Xavier’s Board of Trustees. “Using every bit of imagination, with a healthy dose of courage thrown in, we are meeting the needs of our students, many who are the first in their families to attend college, and of the nation that needs their precious talents and the benefits of an equitable economy. Thus, we commit to move us all toward greater justice and humanity.”

Known for sending more African American graduates to enter and complete medical school than any other university in the country, Xavier’s strategy of data collection and early at-risk detection among its current students was bolstered by the support of its Board. The Board also acted as an overseer of the optimization of faculty searches, hiring, and training processes to increase diversity and preparedness to address the dynamic needs of its pupils. Faculty research is also instrumental in the institution’s goals to better society and justice for the benefit of all.

Xavier’s board is also in the planning phase of founding a medical school, further elevating Xavier’s historic legacy as a leader in research and advancement of the STEM fields.

Yesterday, Xavier and Ochsner Health System jointly announced that the two institutions have entered an agreement to establish a graduate school of health sciences and medical school.

This year’s Nason honorees were chosen from a diverse array of nominations illustrating the essential work of boards from four-year public and private colleges and universities, two-year institutions, and institutionally related foundations. Each recipient was recognized for its justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion-related programs and initiatives as well as its efforts to enhance student success.

“Strategic governing boards play a vital role in assuring the value and vitality of higher education,” said Henry Stoever, AGB president and CEO. “We are grateful for these boards’ contributions to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive environment for all students, and we hope that their efforts will inspire more boards to hone their strategic thought partnership with chief executives and leadership teams. I am impressed by the achievements of our honorees, and I look forward to their future strides in promoting student success—for all students.”

The Nason award, established in 1992, is named for higher education leader John W. Nason, who served as the chair of the National Japanese American Student Relocation Council and helped more than 4,000 interned students continue their college studies across the nation during World War II. Learn more about AGB's Nason Award at www.AGB.org/Award.

Xavier University of Louisiana’s Board of Trustees is one of five institutions receiving this year’s Nason Award; other recipients include the Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees, the Holyoke Community College Foundation Board of Directors, the Texas Christian University Board of Trustees, and the Utah State University Foundation Board of Directors.

###

About Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana, America’s only historically Black and Catholic University, is ranked among the top three HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) in the nation. Recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences, Xavier produces more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Additionally, Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is also among the top producers of African American pharmacists in the country.

Established in 1925, by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament as a place for African American and Native Americans to receive quality education, Xavier has since expanded its programs in art, business, education, biological sciences, chemistry, pharmacy and political science. More recent additions in robotics, bioinformatics, engineering, data science, neuroscience and genetics, in addition to new STEM-based master’s programs, have provided Xavier students (2815 undergraduates and 787 graduates) an unbeatable combination of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service- learning opportunities and life experiences. Xavier students collaborate with world-renowned faculty, who are experts in their fields, to produce award-winning research and notable work. The winning Xavier formula is to provide students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls, thereby facilitating a more just and humane society for all. For more information about Xavier University of Louisiana, visit us online at www.xula.edu or contact Regi Reyes at (504) 520-5240 or rreyes@xula.edu.

About AGB

The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) is the premier membership organization that strengthens higher education governing boards and the strategic roles they serve within their organizations. Through our vast library of resources, educational events, and consulting services, and with more than 100 years of experience, we empower 40,000 AGB members from more than 2,000 institutions and foundations to navigate complex issues, implement leading practices, streamline operations, and govern with confidence. AGB is the trusted resource for board members, chief executives, and key administrators on higher education governance and leadership.