SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 948
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
  recognize Dr. Norman C. Francis, who is retiring as president of
  Xavier University of Louisiana on June 30, 2015, after 56 years
  of distinguished service at the institution; and
         WHEREAS, Dr. Francis is a greatly respected leader in the
  field of higher education; he has served as president of Xavier
  University of Louisiana for 47 years, and under his leadership,
  the university has earned a stellar reputation for academic
  excellence and student achievement; and
         WHEREAS, Dr. Francis has worked diligently to ensure the
  success of the university and of the students who have enrolled
  at the school throughout his tenure; in 2015, the institution was
  named one of the nation's best colleges by the Princeton Review; and
         WHEREAS, Xavier University of Louisiana is ranked number
  one in the nation by number of bachelor's degrees awarded to
  African American students in biological and biomedical sciences,
  physical sciences, and physics and is also ranked number one by
  number of African American graduates who go on to complete
  medical school; 71 percent of students at the university are
  enrolled in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics
  programs; and
         WHEREAS, Dr. Francis has played a key role in the long and
  distinguished history of Xavier University of Louisiana; his
  professional contributions have positioned the university to
  continue on a path of success well into the future, and his
  presence will be greatly missed; and
         WHEREAS, In recognition of his exemplary service,
  Dr. Francis is being honored at a special ceremony at the
  historic Julia Ideson Public Library in Houston on May 23, 2015;
  now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
  Legislature, hereby commend Dr. Norman C. Francis on his
  exceptional leadership as president of Xavier University of
  Louisiana and extend to him best wishes for the future; and, be
  it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
  Ellis
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on May 21, 2015.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate