Two Xavier University of Louisiana students, as prime examples of the institution’s near 100 years of excellence, were recently accepted into the accepted into the Public Policy & International Affairs Program (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute (JSI).Juniors Jamya Davis and Kadence Means were selected as fellows from a pool of 1300 competitive applicants to attend the six-week rigorous summer program at one of six host campuses. The foundation of the PPIA Fellowship, the JSI experience builds knowledge in economics, statistics, domestic & international policy studies, and leadership topics. The program prepares students for advanced schooling and careers in public service in both domestic and global affairs. Embodiments of the Xavier mission to promote a more just and humane society, both Means and Davis were selected for the fellowship for their merit as well as their “previous, current, and stated dedication to public service.”

Academics, Educational Leadership, Research, Student Life, Community Engagement

Xavierite Brier Evans was determined to finish her last semester at Xavier University strong. But, still, she was shocked to get word that her documentary “TONED” won a national student award for special online programming at the 49th Annual Gracie Awards. The awards presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) were created to honor media “made for women, by women nationwide.

Student Life, Educational Leadership, Academics

It’s troubling to read headline after headline about pregnant Black women not receiving necessary medical attention during labor - one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. We know of Tori Bowie and Serena Williams because of their star power, but this reality applies to Black women, known and unknown, who face a maternal health crisis in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control data, Black maternal mortality exceeds that of Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites by more than twofold. Here in Louisiana, we have one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country.

Community Engagement, Research, Faculty & Staff, Educational Leadership