The Future of Xavier: Student Leaders imagine our next century

February 27, 2024

By Leah Clark, Staff Writer

As Xavier enters its next century, there is much excitement on campus for what the future holds.

New residence halls are expected to open in the next five years. A STEM education center is slated to take the place of St. Michael’s Residence Hall. Efforts are being made to break down the financial barriers prohibiting students from achieving a degree. Also, Black male student retention rates have become top priority.

While all of these accomplishments are on the horizon for Xavier, one question remains. What is in store for Xavier’s next century?

To answer this question, The Xavier Herald sat down with student leaders from across campus to imagine what Xavier’s future would look like and voice their hopes for the institution. Even though they represent different organizations, these student leaders all have one thing in common—working to better the Xavier community.”

Imagining Xavier feat. Kennedy Carey-Prescott, Student Government Association President

“I desire for Xavier to continue to grow and adapt to the changes that this next century will bring. I think that Xavier has the capacity to evolve while also staying true to the traditions it has created. In the coming decade, I would like to see more connections between students and alumni. It is important that we stay connected as a family, working together for a common goal.”

—Kennedy Carey-Prescott, senior biology/pre-medicine major, from Shreveport, La.

Imagining Xavier feat. Terrol Perkins, President of Xavier Chapter of Collegiate 100

“I want Xavier to expand its impact in the New Orleans community and beyond. As Collegiate 100 President, I have tried to utilize the resources in my organization to partner with local mentoring entities for inner-city children, which gives members an opportunity to tutor the city youth and explore the different parts of New Orleans,” said Terrol Perkins, president of Xavier’s chapter of Collegiate 100.

“Xavier must do a better job at bridging the communication gap between the students and administration. Many students feel as though their voices aren’t heard pertaining to campus priorities and student activity event planning. Giving students an opportunity to express their concerns and ideals using monthly administration-controlled town halls, would be a great first step in addressing this issue,” Perkins said.

Ultimately, Perkins said that his vision for the future of Xavier is a “…Xavier that is safer, cleaner, and provides a greater impact.”

—Terrol Perkins, senior political science major, from New Orleans, La.

Imagining Xavier feat. Layla Dent, President of Xavier Chapter of NAACP

“I would like to see our school leave the transitionary period. What I mean by that is currently we have a lot of projects that have started or will be starting soon that overcast what the current students want to see and enjoy on campus. The future and past is great, but a current student deserves their needs to be met as well,” said Layla Dent, president of Xavier’s chapter of the NAACP.

“Some ways we can work together is by allowing students to learn and meet different alum. I personally have met more than a handful, but our school has to better the connection with current students and past students. This has helped me because those are people who walked in our shoes no matter how long ago and who may now have the resources to make a change,” Dent said.

—Layla Dent, senior business management and finance major, from Atlanta, Ga.

Imagining Xavier feat. Anthony Thompson, President of Chemistry Club

“I want Xavier to finally get the spotlight it deserves in Black culture for the Black professionals it produces and has produced for many years. I think our fellow HBCUs that already get lots of the spotlight deserve it as well, but Xavier, in my opinion, should receive no less attention, especially for how much Xavier does as such a small school. Strides such as opening a medical school will definitely make Xavier a prominent Afro-futuristic HBCU,” said Anthony Thompson, president of the Chemistry Club.

“I would like to see the on-campus experience be more well-rounded for students. I think students and alumni can push for this by advocating for the new and renovated spaces coming to campus soon to be interactive in a way that helps student life push beyond the sometimes strictly academic focus it currently has,” Thompson said.

—Anthony Thompson, senior chemistry/pre-medicine major, from Kansas City, Mo.

Imagining Xavier feat. Katharine Jones, Co-President of Xavier Exponential Honors Program Student Council

“I desire for Xavier to get back to its roots. We are a liberal arts college but heading fast to the STEM side. I’m worried that the Black perspective in the social science and humanities will be lost,” said Katharine Jones, co-president of the Xavier Exponential Honors Program Student Council.

“I want Xavier to take more consideration for its Black students, staff, and faculty’s overall well-being. We come to an HBCU to feel like home, so it’s important to preserve and protect that essence,” Jones said.

—Katharine Jones, senior neuroscience major, from Brandon, Miss.

Imagining Xavier feat. Keith Wilson, Jr., Drum Major of the Golden Sound Marching Band

“Xavier should keep evolving and showcase more of our students’ talents. We have some amazingly talented individuals who walk around Xavier every day who just need a chance to show it,” said Keith Wilson, Jr., drum major of the Golden Sound Marching Band.

—Keith Wilson, Jr., senior jazz studies major, from Atlanta, Ga.

Imagining Xavier feat. Morgan Babers, President of Xavier Chapter of the National Society of Black Women in Medicine

“What I desire for Xavier as it enters its second century is to maintain its esteemed reputation as the premier institution for producing black doctors, a legacy that drew me to transfer here from another university. Additionally, I eagerly anticipate Xavier’s development of its own medical school, a milestone I am excitedly looking forward to, as it would further solidify its commitment to excellence in medical education and contribute significantly to addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities. Finally, I am anticipating the expansion of housing options and the renovation of our entire campus as there would be a profound impact upgrading facilities and surroundings,” said Morgan Babers, president of Xavier’s chapter of the National Society of Black Women in Medicine.

“I desire for Xavier to address the need for a comprehensive approach to physical and mental health, fostering a campus culture that prioritizes well-being and destigmatizes seeking help as a student by providing accessible resources and promoting healthy lifestyle habits like allowing mental health days, changing the food in the cafe to much healthier choices, and renovating the fitness center so that it is an incredibly productive space. Additionally, I would like the campus to enhance our environment by implementing sustainable practices,” Babers said.