New Orleans, La. – In celebration of National Minority Health Month, Xavier University of Louisiana is proud to announce a multi-year partnership with Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) that will help to further health equity efforts in New Orleans and focus on the overall improvement of health outcomes for disadvantaged and marginalized populations.

Takeda’s multi-million dollar investment will support the development of a technical research and exchange center at Xavier, known as T-REX. T-REX is anticipated to accelerate Xavier’s health informatics, research findings and interventions at the intersection of basic science, clinical practice and data with the goal of advancing health equity and creating community wellness. Additionally, this grant will help build trust within historically marginalized communities by supporting the development of a program to destigmatize participation in clinical trials. It will also elevate postdoctoral fellows and graduate students to advance health equity research, while improving community engagement and advocacy to uncover and focus resources on Xavier’s graduate health science programs.  

Xavier University of Louisiana is the third ranking historically Black college and university (HBCU) and the only historically Black and Catholic University in the nation. Xavier is recognized as a national leader in producing the most African American graduates who become medical doctors and pharmacists than any other University in the U.S. and is responsible for moving many African American students out of poverty. The University has a rich, longstanding history of addressing and improving health disparities and is a trusted institution within the community of New Orleans.

“Xavier University of Louisiana is proud to partner with Takeda to launch a technical research and exchange center and further our joint goal of health equity through the education of young people who seek to promote a more just and humane society,” said Dr. Anne McCall, Xavier University of Louisiana provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “Our students, graduate and undergraduate, often choose to study at Xavier because they envision creating a better future for all. The grant from Takeda will ensure that we can expand our resources and continue to offer a world-renowned education to and innovative research opportunities for the next generation of global leaders who attend our institution.”

Takeda selected Xavier University of Louisiana as a grant partner given the institution’s experience in improving health outcomes within Black and other historically excluded communities. Xavier has long understood the needs of the community and continues to make a real impact in driving sustainable change in the state of Louisiana and within the broader health ecosystem.

“We are excited to support Xavier University of Louisiana on this first of its kind partnership with Takeda as a way to put our commitment to health equity into action,” said Dr. Lauren Powell, M.P.A., Ph.D., Vice President, US Health Equity & Community Wellness at Takeda. “We look forward to this purposeful collaboration and the ways that we can benefit from learning from the true experts on how to build trust and lay the foundation to continue to advance health equity for generations to come. We were very intentional with our efforts in selecting the right partner and recognize Xavier as the historical incubator for future Black and Brown health professionals and as a community pillar for change in Louisiana.”

A multidisciplinary team of Xavier faculty, staff and the Office of Institutional Advancement collaborated with Takeda representatives to coordinate the partnership. The joint efforts of the collaboration reflect the commitment to further Xavier’s mission of creating a more just and humane society.

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About Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana, America’s only historically Black and Catholic University, is ranked among the top three HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) in the nation. Recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences, Xavier produces more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Additionally, Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is also among the top producers of African American pharmacists in the country.

Established in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament as a place for African American and Native Americans to receive quality education, Xavier has since expanded its programs in art, business, education, biological sciences, chemistry, pharmacy and political science. More recent additions in robotics, bioinformatics, engineering, data science, neuroscience and genetics, in addition to new STEM-based master’s programs, have provided Xavier students (2815 undergraduates and 787 graduates) an unbeatable combination of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service-learning opportunities and life experiences. Xavier students collaborate with world-renowned faculty, who are experts in their fields, to produce award-winning research and notable work. The winning Xavier formula provides students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls, thereby facilitating a more just and humane society for all. For more information about Xavier University of Louisiana, visit us online at www.xula.edu or contact Regi Reyes at (504) 520-5240 or rreyes@xula.edu.