Xavier University of Louisiana proudly announces the appointment of Heather O. Freeman as the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management. In this role, Freeman will provide strategic oversight of the university’s recruitment, admissions, and One-Stop-Shop. She will lead the development and implementation of comprehensive enrollment strategies, supervise professional staff, and manage systems such as BANNER and Technolutions Slate—ensuring operational excellence, federal compliance, and data-driven decision-making throughout the enrollment process.

Freeman joins Xavier from Southern University at New Orleans, where she served as Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management and Student Success and Director of University College. There, she spearheaded cross-functional initiatives that advanced student access, engagement, and retention through innovative, data-informed solutions. Her earlier tenure of 11 years at Southern University and A&M College included impactful leadership as Executive Director of Admissions & Recruitment, where she achieved significant increases in first-year enrollment, application conversion, and the implementation of the Slate CRM. She is recognized for her commitment to inclusive excellence and expertise in aligning enrollment practices with institutional mission and strategic priorities. Before that role, Freeman served as the Director of Outreach and Engagement and the Director of Student Media.

In recognition of her leadership and community impact, the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce honored Freeman as a 2022 “Woman of Influence.” She is completing her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at Louisiana State University and will defend her dissertation in Spring 2025. She also holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication. Freeman is deeply committed to the advancement of historically Black institutions and the students they serve.

An Assumption Parish native and long-term resident of Baton Rouge, Freeman is a devoted wife and mother of three, and she brings to Xavier professional distinction and a heart for service and family. She is excited to join the Xavier community and contribute to its academic excellence, social justice, and faith-driven leadership legacy. Freeman says she is eager to work with Vice President Joel Munza, the Enrollment Management team, and the Xavier community in advancing the 100-year mission of the University in the promotion of a more just and humane society.