Advisory Board of Governors
Norman Francis
President, Xavier University
A 1952 Xavier University graduate, Dr. Francis returned to his alma mater in 1955 to begin a career which began as dean of men and culminated in his current position as University President. He is the first African American lay president of the University. Under his presidency, Xavier University has more than tripled its enrollment.
Dr. Francis is a prominent national leader on education, civil rights and civic issues. He has served in an advisory role to five presidential administrations. He was a member of the National Commission on Excellence in Education which produced the work, “A Nation at Risk.” He has also served as chairman of the Member President's Council for the United Negro College Fund, and as President of the American Association of Higher Education. Dr. Francis sits on the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is a former Chairman of the Board of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of the Educational Testing Service.
Dr. Francis was the first African American to receive a law degree from Loyola University, and he also holds honorary degrees from 25 institutions of higher education. In December 2006, Francis was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Partnership for Public Service works to revitalize our federal government by inspiring a new generation to serve and by transforming the way government works.
