Washington, Feb. 18 -- Congressman Cleo Fields issued the following press release:
Congressman Cleo Fields issued the following statement today on the passing of Dr. Norman C. Francis, longtime President of Xavier University of Louisiana and one of the nation's most respected leaders in higher education:
"Today, I join the nation in mourning the passing of Dr. Norman C. Francis. For generations of Louisianans, and for people across this country, he represented what steady, faithful leadership in education truly looks like.
During his nearly five decades leading Xavier University of Louisiana, Dr. Francis helped transform the institution into a national model of academic excellence and opportunity, especially for students pursuing careers...