2019-2020 yearbook

ACADEMICS
College of Arts & Sciences College of Pharmacy Graduate School


College of Arts & Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences offers over forty undergraduate programs that are housed
in various departments and divisions of the college
DIVISION OF BIOLOGICAL
AND APPLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
Department of Biology
Department of Public Health Sciences Department of Speech Pathology
DIVISION OF BUSINESS
DIVISION OF FINE ARTS AND HUMANITIES Department of Art
Department of English
Department of History
Department of Languages Department of Music Department of Philosophy Department of Theology
DIVISION OF MATHEMATICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES Department of Chemistry
Department of Mathematics
Department of Physics and Computer Science -
Dual Degree Engineering Program
DIVISION OF EDUCATION AND COUNSELING
DIVISION OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES Department of Communication Studies
Department of Mass Communication
Department of Political Science
Department of Psychology Department of Sociology
College of Pharmacy
The College has developed a strong foundation in basic research and have developed an exciting initiative related to eliminating health disparities, which focuses on research, education
and community outreach.
Graduate School
Xavier University of Louisiana offers Master's programs in Education, Counseling, Public Health, Speech Pathology and Theology and a Doctoral program in Educational Leadership.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Graduates of The Chicago School’s Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program at Xavier have the education necessary to take the next steps toward licensure and address community-wide and individual behavioral health concerns as Clinical Psychologists.


Dr. Maryam Foroozesh Lead Principal Investigator, Administrative and Research Enrichment Cores, Professor
Dr. Clair Wilkins-Green Internal Evaluator No Photo
Dr. Marguerite Giguette Associate Provost and Chief Institutional Research Officer
Dr. Gene D’Armour Administrative Core
Dr. Kathleen Morgan Principal Investigator, Student Training Core
Dr. Harris McFerrin Pilot Project Coordinator, Administrative Core
Ashley Irvin Marketing and Communications Specialist, Administrative Core
Dr. Kelly Johanson Co-Director, Student Training Core
Dr. Tiera Coston Education Improvement Specialist
BUILD Team
Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD)
Xavier University was chosen as one of ten Colleges and Universities to receive a Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) award. These awards are part of a larger initiative by the NIH: Enhancing the Diversity of the NIH-funded workforce.
Xavier University has developed a program called Project PATHWAYS, which includes several components targeting students, faculty, and several non-academic centers on campus.
DeMiracle Woodson Project Coordinator, Student Training and Research Enrichment Cores
Marian Minnard Director, Office of Career Services
Dr. Ja’wanda Grant Special Assistant to the Provost for Scholar Development and Institutional Alliances, Academic Affairs
Doryne Sunda-Meya Program Manager, Administrative Core
Dr. Nathaniel Holmes Executive Director
Amy Bilizon Program Manager, Student Training and Research Enrichment Cores
Linda Hardy Program Manager, Institutional Development Core
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Division of Biological &
Applied Health Sciences
The next generation of African-American doctors find success and support at Xavier University.


Biology Department
Peter Barrett, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Kenneth G. Boutte, Sr., Ph.D., Professor
Kristal Huggins Instructor
Shubha Ireland, Ph.D. Professor
Calvin Porter, Ph.D. Associate Professor
No photos:
Anup Kundu, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Dr. Joanna Haye, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Mary Carmichael, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Qian-Jin Zhang, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Shenika Poindexter, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Michelle Boissiere, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Ms.
Cecily DeFreece, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Harish Ratnayaka, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Ian Davenport, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Joseph Ross, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Sasi Rajasekaren Biology Lab Manager
Partha Bhattacharjee, Ph.D. Professor
Hector Biliran, Ph.D. Professor
Syed Muniruzzaman, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Thomas Huckaba, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Harris McFerrin, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Mohamed Awad, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Shahnaz Islam
Assistant Coordinator of Advising
Nedra Kelly Administrative Specialist
Kristina Wilcox Administrative Specialist
Sr. Grace Mary Flickinger, SBS, Professor Emeritus
Deidre Labat, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus
Ochsner Health System awarded recent Xavier graduate Sarah Bertrand its inaugural Ochsner Health System Medical School Scholarship for LSU Health Shreveport, which will cover cost of tuition and fees for Bertrand to attend the four-year medical school program.
Bertrand, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Xavier during spring of 2019 with a degree in biology.
Xavier University of Louisiana’s biology program is ranked #1 in the
state and #6 nationally accredited in the annual nationwide ranking of
U.S. colleges and universities by College Factual, a leading source of
data analytics and insights on college outcomes which provides in-depth coverage for over 2,500 colleges and universities and over 350 college majors. This places Xavier’s program in the Top 1% of all such programs in the country reviewed for value.
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Speech Pathology Department
Gloriajean Wallace, Ph.D. Endowed Professor and Chairperson
Joe Melcher, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus
Erica Cardosi Adjunct Professor
Terrylynn Jenkins, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Celeste R. Parker, Ph.D. Director of Clinical Education Assistant Professor
Elgustus J. Polite, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Denise Hutchinson Administrative Assistant
Undergraduate Speech Pathology majors Public Health Sciences Department
L. Faye Grimsley, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Regina Benjamin, M.D.
NOLA.com/The Times- Picayune Endowed Chair
Krista Mincey, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
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No Photos:
Leonard Jack, Jr., Ph.D. Adjunct Distinguished Professor
Tyra Gross, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Amy Thierry, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Nedra Kelly Administrative Specialist


Division of Business


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Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society
Seven Xavier students are the newest inductees into the Delta Mu Delta international business honor society, including (seated L-R) Alaina McClue and Cydney Stevenson, and (standing L-R) Maya Suell and Janelle Jones, and Aaliyah Young. Not pictured are Mikayla Bates and Maya Trench.
The criteria is a 3.5 GPA. The chapter at Xavier is 13 years old and has installed 73 members including this year’s group.
The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative) announced the names of 44 students from 34 historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) selected as 2019 HBCU Competitiveness Scholars – the Initiative's highest student recognition.
Dallas native, and Xavier University of Louisiana student Ayanna Brown, Sales and Marketing major was one of these recipients for the state of Texas.
George Ellis, photographer
Fall 2019 Blazer Ceremony


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Division of Business
Syed Ahmed, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
James Bartkus, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Jose Bautiste, Ph.D. Professor
Cary Caro, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Margaret M. Diaz-Fugetta Instructor
Anil Kukreja, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Amanda Helm, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Richard C. Peters, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Mark L. Quinn Conrad N. Hilton Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship Assistant Professor
Joe Ricks, Ph.D. Chair and J.P. Morgan Chase Professor of Sales and Marketing Associate Professor
Shael N. Wolfson, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Clifford S. Wright Professro
Tonia Simmons-Doakes Administrative Specialist
Business Performance Award of Excellence
Division of Business has been awarded the Louisiana Quality Foundation’s (LQF) highest award, the Level 3 Louisiana Performance Excellence Award (LPEA) based on an evaluation of its proven effectiveness, sustainability, innovation, integrated processes and tracked results. The LPEA is a statewide award recognizing quality leadership in education, government, manufacturing, service industries, health care and non-profit organizations.
The division was evaluated on its organizational profile and documentation related to its leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, measurement, analysis, and knowledge management, human resource focus, and process management.


Division of Education


Division of Education & Counseling
Renee Akbar, Ph.D. Division Chair Associate Professor
Rachel Davis-Haley, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Anthony Aramburo, PhD. Associate Professor
Douglas Athey, Ph.D. Associate Division Chair Associate Professor
Judith Maranti, Ph.D. Professor Department Head
Circecie A. West-Olatunji, Ph.D., Professor
Shoneka Thomas Program Manager
Walter Breaux,III, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Sr. Jean Marie Craig, SBS Associate Professor
Timothy Glaude, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Ariel Mitchell, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Rosalind Hale, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus
Marlene Robinson Director, Graduate Admissions (no photo)
Jim Page, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Ramona Perkins, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Kenya Campbell Program Director
Sloane Signal, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Jacquline Ballansaw Administrative Specialist
Fall 2019 Freshmen orientation
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Division of Social & Behavioral Sciences


Mass Communication
Students in Trinidad & Tobago researching Carnival Culture and Consent with Dr. Tia Smith, Mass Communication department chair. Front row L-R: Prinsey Walker, LaShance Perry, Mizani Ball. Back row L-R: Casha Davis, Chamberlynn McGriggs.
Dr. Verret visited WBOK 1238 Radio Show
President C. Reynold Verret joined WBOK 1230AM-Oliver M. Thomas to discuss how Xavier is preparing the leaders of tomorrow academically as well as the enrollment plan initiated by his administration that produced a 20% increase in the new freshman class this past fall semester, boosting Xavier’s overall enrollment to its highest level in 8 years!
Guest speaker, David Wesley
Television color analyst with the New Orleans Pelicans and former NBA player, David Wesley spoke to adjunct faculty Monica Pierre's Announcing Class. David shared his journey as a professional player and how he transitioned to on-camera work. He also gave advice for Mass Communication students interested in sports announcing. David also talked about professionalism, punctuality and how our students can develop industry relationships.
David Wesley poses with first year Mass Communication student, Thomas Austin Priestley.
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Mass Communication Department
Monica Pierre Adjunct-Instructor Professional-in-Residence
Shearon Roberts, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Tia Smith, Ph.D. Department Head
Veronica Farve Yearbook Coordinator
Varion Laurent Director of Student Media
Anthony Montgomery Media Production Technician
Allana J. Barefield was named the National Association of Black Journalists’ (NABJ) 2019 Student Journalist of the Year.
“Allana is a once in a lifetime student, and
she arrived at Xavier with fire in her eyes and passion in her soul and never looked back,” said Shearon Roberts, Ph.D., Allana’s professor and advisor in Xavier’s Mass Communication Department. “And while she is talented and can do anything she puts her mind to, she has unbreakable grit and is a born leader. She has only just begun, but I know she will blaze a
trail as she writes the next chapter in her career in media.”
She used her passion for journalism and the skills she learned to revive her university’s NABJ chapter and served as its president. She also participated in intensive multimedia training programs during two of NABJ’s college short courses. Barefield also consistently served as
a mentor to other student journalists during NABJ’s past Conventions.
Fall 2019 Freshmen orientation
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Dr. Tia L. Smith, Head of Mass Communication, participated in the Slave Rebellion Reenactment held this past Nov. 8-9 in New Orleans, Louisiana.


Communication Performance Department
Liz Flannigan, Ph.D.
Ross Louis, Ph.D.
Dominique Gendrin, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus
Political Science Department
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Pamela Waldron-Moore, Ph.D., Professor
Russell M. Frazier, Ph.D. Department Head
Willie Gin, Ph.D.
Cleopatra Singleton, class of 2021 received the inaugural scholarship from the Jane Club in honor of the first female mayor of New Orleans. According to the Directors of The Jane Club,
the organization was seeking to rewrite the rules between women and work. It is the first and only community and work-space with onsite childcare that is designed with amenities needed by mothers - a work-space, child care and an entire village of services, experiences and products. In recognizing Mayor LaToya Cantrell, they strove to highlight
a "woman of tomorrow" identified by the Mayor, who was invited to select a student who could reflect the values of the mayor. Cleo was nominated
because she has a brilliant mind and strives to excel in everything she does. She wants to tell
the story of women everywhere by producing documentaries and writing stories that highlight the resilience of women and their potential for achieving great things. In this regard, she seems to mirror the interests of Mayor Cantrell, who also majored in political science at Xavier University, who is from California but relocated to Louisiana. Mayor Cantrell was intrigued by their similarities and accepted the nomination. The Jane Club membership was happy to raise $10,000 in support of Cleo's scholastic promise.


Pre-Law Reception
Xavier alumni lawyers and judges spoke with current students about careers in law
Host: Senior U.S. District Judge Ivan Lemelle, 1971; Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Roby; Royce Duplessis, Esq., Okyeame Haley, Esq.; Royce Duplessis, Esq. Randy G. McKee, Esq.; and Bianca Moore, 2016, recent Tulane law graduate. The Occasion was given by Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Roby and the Welcome by Dr. Reynold Verret, President, Xavier University of Louisiana.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
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G.
H.
A - Judge Ivan Lemelle introduces himself to students in the audience. B - Standing: Dr. Pamela Waldron-Moore, political science professor with political science majors. Judges and attorney's spoke about their careers: C - Attorney Royce Duplessis; D - Attorney Randy G. McKee; E - Attorney Okyeame Haley; F - Recent Tulane law graduate, Bianca Moore; G - Dr. Russell Frasier, political science professor and department head with majors; H - Chief Judge Emeritus Brian A. Jackson.A -


Psychology Department
Elliott D. Hammer, Ph.D.
Shantoyia (Toy) Jones, Ph.D.
Lisa J. Schulte-Gipson, Ph.D.
Charles Gramlich, Ph.D.
Sociology Department
Jeremy D. Cohen, Ph.D.
Brian L. Turner, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Elizabeth Yost Hammer, Ph.D.
Amy Bellone Hite, Ph.D.
Christopher A. Faircloth, Ph.D.
Silas H. Lee, Ph.D.
Matthew LeBlacn, Ph.D.
Siyoum, Aschale, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
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Erica Houston Executive Assistant (no photo)
Fall 2019 Freshmen orientation


Division of Fine Arts & Humanities
In the Division of Fine Arts and Humanities are the departments of Theology, History, English, Languages, Art, Music, and Philosophy (THE LAMP).
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Art Department
Olivia Vega
Aryanna Carter
Art department faculty, staff & students
Senior Art Show 2019
Aleshia Coleman
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Art Department
MaPó Kinnard Department Head Associate Professor Ceramics
No Photos:
Ron Bechet
Victor H. Labat Endowed Professor of Art Painting, Drawing, Community Arts
Daniele Gair Xavier University Art Collections Manager
Shayna T. Blum Assistant Professor Graphic Design and Technology
Augustus Jenkins Part-time Instructor Printmaking and Drawing
Sarah Anita Clunis, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Art History
Slave Rebellion Re-enactment photo by Randall Schexnayder
Sheleen Jones Part-time Instructor
Edna "Eddie" Lanieri Part-time Instructor Color Digital
Joan Ulmer Administrative Assistant
Jennifer Odem Part-time Instructor
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L-R: MaPó Kinnard and Ron Bechet


English Department
Ralph Adamo, Ph.D. Professor
Xavier Review Editor Xavier Review Press Executive Editor
Ronald Dorris, Ph.D Professor
No Photos:
Thadeo K. Babiiha, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Oliver Hennessey, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Katheryn Krotzer Laborde Associate Professor Professional Writing Director
David Lanoue, Ph.D. Professor
Bonnie Noonan, Ph.D. Assocaiate Professor
Biljana D. Obradovic Professor Department Head New Voices Advisor
Donna Marie Gould, SBS, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Trisha Rezende Lecturer
Robin Runia, Ph.D.
Associate Professor English/Education Director
James H. Shade Assistant Professor Creative Writing Minor Director Nubian Expressions Advisor
Jason S. Todd, Ph.D. Assocaite Professor E-Portfolios and Writing Intensiva Courses
Jeremy Tuman Continuing Lecturer First-Year Composition Director Pathways Editor
Treschere Washington Executive Assistant
Robin Vander, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Mark Whitaker, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Jimmy Worthy, Ph.D. Assistant Profesor African American Literature
Joseph Lamperez Visiting Lecturer
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History Department
Jonathan Rotondo-McCord, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Sharlene Sinegal DeCuir, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Sr. Barbara Hughes, C.S.J, Professor Emeritus
Dianne Encalade Administrative Assistant
No Photos:
Gary A. Donaldson, Ph.D.
Shamsul Huda,Ph.D. Associate Professor
Elizabeth Manley, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Steven J. Salem, Ph.D. Professor


Languages Department
Giti Farudi Department Head Lecturer of Spanish
Brother Herman Johnson Professor of Spanish
Elizabeth Smith Rousselle, Ph.D.
Professor of Spanish and French
Susan F. Spillman, Ph.D. Associate Professor of French
Michael White, Ph.D. Professor of Spanish
Denise Crochet Adjunct Instructor of American Sign Language
Right: John Zalaski, San Jose, Costa Rica.
Xavier in Costa Rica 2019 - Students studied medical Spanish and participated in observations and shadowing in Costa Rican clinics and hospitals including: Hospital Clínica Bíblica, the best private hospital in the country; Clínica Clorito Picado, a public hospital; and Universidad Latina, one of the best private universities in the country.
In summer 2019 five Xavier students studied French in Martinique with Dr. Susan F. Spillman, William Arceneaux Professor of French, Xavier University of Louisiana.
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No Photos:
Carmen Cosme, Ph.D. Visiting Assistant Professor pf Spanish
Afro Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Guanru Yin
Visiting Assistant Professsor of Chinese Languagea
Study Abroad


Music Department
Sr. Juliana Haynes, SBS Assistant Professor
Marcus Ballard, D.M.A. Assistant Professor
John E. Ware, D.M.A. Professor and Director of Choirs
O'Neal Douglas, D.M.A. Interim Professor of Music Theory
Jee Yeoun Ko D.M.A. Adjunct Professor of Strings
Zena Ezeb Administrative Assistant
Sarah Meier, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Joseph LeFeve, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus
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Tim Turner, D.M.A. Department Head Associate Professor Director of Bands and Professor of Trumpet
Philosophy Department
No Photos:
Sakinah Davis D.M.A. Assistant Professor of Voice and Director of Opera Workshop
Travis Scott D.M.A.
Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Low Brass
Paul M. Schafer, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Thora Illn Bayer, Ph.D. Professor
Robert Berman, Ph.D. Professor
Jason Berntsen, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
James Dunson, Ph.D. Assistant Professor


Theology Department
Joseph Drexler-Dreis, Ph.D Jerry Farmer, Ph.D. Mark Gstohl, Ph.D. Professor Associate Professor
(no photo)
Michael M. Homan, Ph.D. Mary Ann Stachow, SBS, Professor, Department Ph.D.
Head
Travel Abroad to Rome to study Theology - Senior Zoey Parker, Music major and Sr. Mary Ann Stachow, SBS got a close up view of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square. They also visited Villa Borghese.
Assistant Professor
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Division of Mathematical & Physical Sciences


Chemistry Professor Wins CUR Outstanding Mentorship Award
Dr. Maryam Foroozesh, the Margaret W. Kelly Endowed Professor in Chemistry and chair, Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences; chair, Division of Biological and Applied Health Sciences, and head, Department of Chemistry, was one of three individuals selected nationwide for the inaugural Council on Undergraduate Research’s (CUR) Chemistry Division Outstanding Mentorship Award, which recognizes excellence in mentoring of undergraduate researchers.
Dr. Foroozesh was honored for her acumen in mentor-led chemistry research projects and her work utilizing diversity and inclusion best practices in undergraduate education. She has mentored more than 90 undergraduates in research, many of whom are from groups underrepresented in science. Undergraduate students are frequently coauthors on her 60 publications and more than 85 percent of her students have continued their education in scientific and medicinal fields.
Dr. Foroozesh has been a leader in enhancing the mentoring and undergraduate research experiences for Xavier students, catalyzed by the Research Institute for Scientific Advancement (RISE) and Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) programs, both funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Chemistry Department
Michael R. Admas, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Mehnaaz F. Ali, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Bryan Bilyeu, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Teressa Birdwhistell, Ph.D. Professor
Joseph Chaney, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Siddieg Elsiddieg, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Maryam Foroozesh, Ph.D. Chair, Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences; Chair, Division of Biological and Applied Health Sciences; Department Head
Kelly Johanson, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Terry J. Watt, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Sarah Weaver, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Heather R. Williamson, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Amy Billizon Program Manager
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Jayalakshmi Sridhar, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Florastina Payton-Stewart, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Mehnaaz F. Ali, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Warren Ray, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Abha Verma, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Guangdi Wang, Ph.D. Professor
Tulasi Ponnapakkam, Ph.D. Reasearch Scientist
Qiang Zhang Core Scientist
Shilong Zheng, Ph.D. Medicinal Chemist, RCMI Qiu Zhong, Ph.D.
Zhe Wang, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Brandi Barre Program Specialist
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Chemistry Department
Vladimir Kolesnichenko, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Candice M. Lawrence, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
J. Robert Luo, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Lamartine Meda, Ph.D. Professor
Kathleen M. Morgan, Ph.D. Professor
Kevin Riles, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Mehnaaz F. Ali, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Zhongyuan Huang, Ph.D.
Sherida Montague Administrative Assistant
No Photos:
Samra Dutta, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Asem Abdulahad, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Galina Goloverda, Ph.D. Professor
Navneet Goyal, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Stassi DiMaggio, Ph.D. Professor
Madhusoodanan Mottamal, Ph.D. Core Scientist


Mathematics, Physics & Computer Science Department
Andrew Klimas, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Mathematics
Caitlin Klimas, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Mathematics
Dean Richardson, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Physics
Anderson Sunda-Meya, Ph.D., Professor Physics/Department Head
Nawa RajPokhrel, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Physics
No photos:
Mathematics
David Anderson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Patrick Vernon, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Gurdial Arora, Ph.D., Professor
Valerio De Angelis, Ph.D., Professor
Stephanie Baxter Instructor
Carroll Diaz, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Lester Bill Jones, Ph.D. Professor
Vlajko Kocic, Ph.D. Professor
Thomas Palfrey, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Donna Stutson, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Sindhu Unnithan, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department Head
Patrick Vernon, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Physics and Computer Science
Ashwith Chivery, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Basil Davis, Ph.D. Instrucotr
Andrea Edwards, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Morewell Gasseller, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Matthew Hayes, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Freddie Landry, Ph.D> Assistant Professor
Raymond Lang, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Kun (Karen) Zhand, Ph.D. Professor
Adrienne Hunter Division Specialist
Augustine Orgah Program Manager, Instructor
Wensheng Zhang, Ph.D. Bioinformatics Specialist
Murty Akundi, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus
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Students in Dr. Basil Davis’ physics class conduct a hands-on experiment, measuring the latitude of the earth at noon of the Fall Equinox, when the sun was directly above the equator. As expected, the angle was measured and found to be 30.0 degrees.


College of Pharmacy
Doctor of Pharmacy - Pharm.D. program
Xavier's College of Pharmacy has developed an exciting initiative related to eliminating health disparities, which focuses on research, education and community outreach.
PharmD students who were late taking cap & gown pictures
Lewis Kendra Neves, Nathaniel


Levon Bostanian, P.h.D. Professor of Pharmaceutics DBPS
Kierra Dotson, Pharm.D. Clinical Assistant Professor - DCAS
Martha Earls, Pharm.D., R.Ph. Clinical Assistant Professor DCAS
Margarita Echeverri, Ph.D. Associate Professor DCAS
Vincent Ekenga, Pharm.D. Clinical Assistant Professor DCAS
Conchetta White Fulton, Pharm.D. - Clinical Associate Professor - DCAS
Christopher Gillard, Pharm.D., Division of Clinical & Administrative Sciences
Tammy D. Hart, Pharm.D. Clinical Assistant Professor DCAS
Melanie Rachal Haydel, Pharm.D. Clinical Assistant Professor DCAS
Raven Jackson, Pharm.D. Clinical Assistant Professor DCAS
Dana J. Jamero, Pharm.D. Clinical Associate Professor Chair DCAS
William R. Kirchain, Pharm.D. Director, Health and Wellness Center - DCAS
Joseph LaRochelle, Pharm.D. Clinical Professor and Vice Chair DCAS
Shandrika Landry,
Williams Pharm.D. ClinicalAssistant Professor DCAS
KiTani Parker Lemieux, Ph.D. Associate Professor - DBPS
Dr. Thomas J. Maestri Clinical Assistant Professor DCAS
Tauran Mandal, Ph.D. Professor of Pharmaceutics DBPS
Charita Marthone, Pharm.D. Clinical Assistant Professor DCAS
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Faculty & Staff
Fahamina Ahmed, PharmD Clinical Assistant Professor
Sara Al-Dahir, Pharm.D. Clinical Associate Professor - DCAS
Dr. Rami A. Al-Horani Assistant Professor DBPS
Sarah Amering, Pharm.D. Clinical Assistant Professor DCAS
Robert Blake II, Ph.D. Professor DBPS
Amne Borghol, Pharm.D. Clinical Professor DCAS


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Tommy Morris, Ph.D. Assistant Professor DBPS
George Nawas, Pharm.D. Clinical Assistant Professor DCAS
Katrina Nguyen, Pharm.D. Clinical Assistant Professor DCAS
Patience Obih, Pharm.D. Professor of Pharmacology DBPS
John Okogbaa, Pharm.D. Clinical Assist. Professor Director, Professional Experience Program - DCAS
Ifeanyi Onor, Pharm.D. Clinical Associate Professor DCAS
Yashoda Pramar, Ph.D. Professor of Pharmaceutics DBPS
Dinithia Sampson, Ph.D. Assistant Professor DBPS
Chayla Stanton- Robinson, Pharm.D. Clinical Assistant Professor DCAS
Sunil Sirohi, Ph.D. Assistant Professorl DBPS
Ashley Taylor, Pharm.D., R.Ph. Clinical Assistant Professor DCAS
Chamika Hawkins-Taylor, MHA, Ph.D. Assistant Professor DCAS
Janel Bailey-Wheeler, Pharm.D., R.Ph Clinical Assistant Professor DCAS
Kristi Rapp, Pharm.D. Associate Dean of Administration
Thomas Wiese, Ph.D. Professor of Biochemistry DBPS
Christopher Williams, Ph.D. Associate Professor Chair, DBPS
LaKeisha Williams, Pharm.D. Clinical Assistant Professor DCAS
Yingnan Zhao, Ph.D. Clinical Associate Professor DCAS
Kathleen Kennedy, Pharm.D. Dean, COP
Tonia Williams Horton Executive Associate
Mary Kittles Administrative Assistant
Linda Blakley, Pharm.D. Associate Dean Student Affairs
Daniel Sarpong, Pharm.D. Director-Center for Minority
Candice Wilson Director of Assessment
Randall Schexnayder Assistant Dean - Professionalism
Ann Barbre, Ph.D., R.Ph Professor Emeritus DCAS
Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences - DBPS


Record 24 P4 Pharmacy Students matched with Residency & Fellowships
A record number of 2019 Doctor of Pharmacy Candidates – 24 in all – were matched with residency or fellowships in highly competitive postgraduate training programs. The P4 pharmacy students have accepted positions at clinical patient care sites and pharmaceutical companies in various parts of the country that offer pharmacy postgraduate training in direct patient care, research, and industry related medical affairs.
Keeyan Davis, Pharm.D. Malachi Johnson, Pharm.D. Kabrea Jones, Pharm.D. Bria Wates, Pharm.D.
Brittany Bush
Robin Celentano
P-2
Ibtisam Ismail
P-1's - Not in P-1 Section
Hoan Nguyen
Niya Jeter
Brandon Nguyen
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Cassandra Nguyen
Lam Nguyen


Fall 2019 P-1 Orientation Pharmacy Career Opportunities Panel
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Graduate School
Master's programs in
Education, Counseling, Public Health, Speech-Language Pathology and Theology and a Doctoral program in Educational Leadership


Xavier, Ochsner Launch New Physician Assistant Program
Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health System teamed up to launch a new Physician Assistant (PA) Program* for the inaugural class matriculating in January 2020. The 28-month, full-time graduate program, which leads to a master’s degree in health sciences, is comprised of three semesters of classroom instruction followed by 16 months of clinical training within the Ochsner Health System.
Dr. Anne McCall, Provost of Xavier University of Louisiana said. “The commitment to establish the new program reflected our mission at Xavier University to prepare students to be servant-leaders who impact transformative change for a more just and humane society.” Following three semesters of classroom instruction, the PA students will complete approximately 2,000 hours of hands-on clinical experience through 11 rotations at various Ochsner facilities. Students will work and study with healthcare professionals across a variety
of specialties, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, General Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Behavioral Health and Women’s Health.
Varsha Castro Gusman was appointed as Director of the program. She serves also as Clinical Assistant Professor of professional programs in the Physician Assistant
Department. A Xavier University alumna, Gusman earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, and a master’s degree in the physician assistant program at Our Lady of the Lake College. Gusman served as the Lead Physician Assistant for the Neuro Critical Care Unit while at Ochsner for the last 5 years.
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Master's Program
Physician Assistant Program - Pharmacy / Health Sciences
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January 2020 Inaugural Class of 40 students in the Physician Assistant Program with faculty


Master's Program
Speech Pathology & Public Health
Xavier was awarded candidacy for the accreditation of its new masters program in Speech-Language Pathology by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology(CAA). The addition of this program brings the number of master’s degree options now offered by Xavier to 14, the others being in the areas of education, public health, and theology.
The new Master’s program in Speech Language Pathology will play a significant role in the university’s efforts to respectfully and compassionately address the speech, hearing, and language difficulties across diverse communities.
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Peterson, Kayla Masters-Speech Pathology
Scott, Erinne Masters-Speech Pathology
Walker, Sonya Masters-Speech Pathology
Williams, Sade Masters-Speech Pathology
Ogbonna, Christine Masters in Public Health Sciences
Corona, Chelsea Masters-Speech Pathology
Dixon, Brittany Masters-Speech Pathology
Hammond-Chiasson, Bernice Masters-Speech Pathology
Jackson, Jaylon Masters-Speech Pathology
Leslie, Maya Masters-Speech Pathology
Parker, Railen Masters-Speech Pathology
2019 Inagural Class — Master's in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology


Doctoral program in Educational Leadership & Masters of Education in Counseling
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Master of Theology
Kathryn "Kaye" L. Crawford Angela D. Hollier Fidgi A. Simeon
IBCS Masters of Theology graduates celebrate with Xavier administrators: (L-R) President Reynold Verret, Kathryn Crawford of Austin TX, IBCS Interim Director Dr. Eva Lunas S.S.S., Fidgi Simeon of New Orleans, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs Dr. Marcus Cox, Angela Hollier of Houston TX, IBCS Associate Director Dr. Kirk Gaddy, and A&S Dean Dr. Camellia Moses Okpodu.
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Fall Events 2019


New Student Orientation Move-in Day - Welcome to Xavier
L-R: Dr. Anne McCall Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost welcomed and assisted Darah Hale to Xavier with housing and transportation to LLC-Living Learning Center residence hall.
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Shakers and Movers assistant parents and students move-in 138


Staying Cool and Hydrated on Move-in day
Residence Halls: St. Michael (male dorm) & St. Katharine Drexel (female dorm)
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It's a Family Affair on Move-in day
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Welcome to Xavier—New Orleans style with the sound of Jazz, Mardi Gras Indians and Second Line dancing
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Orientation Mass - Celebrant Bishop Ferdnand Cheri, O.F.M.
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Rites of Passage Ceremony
Parents said goodbye to students as the university welcomed the students to their next chapter.
"I give you my light to share with the world."
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Taking the Xavier Plunge into Community Service
New Xavierites were introduced to the multiple ways they can actively impact and uplift our community at the Salvation Army.
Class of 2023 (Arts & Sciences majors) and 2024 (Pharmacy majors)
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