A dedicated member of the Xavier University of Louisiana Community for over 30 years, Dr. Marguerite S. Giguette, has been permanently named the senior vice president of Academic Affairs and Provost after a brief tenure as the interim appointment in the role. Starting at Xavier as a computer science faculty member, Dr. Giguette’s love for Xavier and passion for elevating the opportunities offered to its students have guided her to multiple leadership positions at the university.

For 17 years, Dr. Giguette has faithfully served Xavier in the Office of Academic Affairs and, most recently, as its Senior Associate Provost and Chief Institutional Research Officer. She has also acted as the institution’s liaison to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). A New Orleans native, Dr. Giguette received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1979. She then earned her Master of Science in Mathematics from Texas A&M University and her Ph.D. in Computer Science from Tulane University.

“In my tenure as interim senior vice president and Provost, I’ve been blessed to lead many projects and seek solutions and enhancements to the academic offerings at Xavier. Now more than ever, as we endeavor to open a medical school and implement our master and strategic plans, I am committed to steering my beloved Xavier toward continued excellence,” said Dr. Giguette. “As Provost, I will expand my service to the university in a greater capacity as we approach our centennial, and I’m looking forward to working with the President, Vice Presidents, faculty, staff, and students to advance Xavier as we Press Forward & Fear Nothing.”

Before starting her tenure at Xavier in 1990, Dr. Giguette taught at Loyola and Tulane Universities. In her fourth year at Xavier, Dr. Giguette was named chair of the Computer Science Department, a position she held until January 2004. In 2006, she was named the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

While serving in Xavier’s Computer Science Department, Dr. Giguette secured over $4 million in grants from government agencies and foundations. These grants supported efforts at the department and university levels, advancing resources and offerings for students, staff, and faculty. Initiatives funded through the grants secured by Dr. Giguette include an undergraduate research program in computer science, scholarships for computer science and mathematics students, research in gender-based differences in computer science, and the implementation of Xavier’s Stress on Analytical Reasoning 3 Program for prospective computer science students.

These grants also supported the establishment of Xavier’s computer engineering program and the Center for Undergraduate Research, now known as Xavier’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (CURGO).

Dr. Giguette continues to work on establishing programs and grants at Xavier. Her current portfolio also includes working with faculty and departments across campus to develop new programs and discipline-specific accreditation issues. She recently led the Career Pathways Initiative, a grant from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), funded by the Lilly Endowment. She has also published several articles and has presented her findings at various workshops and conferences. Dr. Giguette’s work exemplifies her diligent leadership and commitment to education.

“I am hoping that our Xavier community sees what I see in Xavier – a university that strives to work for the success of all students as they prepare for life after Xavier. I hope all students, faculty, and staff will see that student success requires working together. I am excited about my permanent appointment and look forward to continuing to expand Xavier’s great works,” said Dr. Giguette. “This role allows me to be more visible to our students and more accessible to support our faculty and staff. I will also be able to lend my expertise to various campus initiatives. As Xavier approaches the celebration of its first 100 years of service, I am eager to continue working with the Xavier community to create a more just and humane society and a kinder future for all.”