Xavier University of Louisiana Appoints Dr. Anderson Sunda-Meya as Dean of College of Arts and Sciences

New Orleans, La. – Xavier University of Louisiana has appointed Dr. Anderson Sunda-Meya as Dean of Xavier’s College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Sunda-Meya has served as Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since July 2021 and has been a long-time member of the Xavier community. He has a distinguished track record of directing complex research projects, working across departments and disciplines, and advocating and supporting faculty in multiple capacities, including as a department head and division associate chair. He brings to the position enthusiasm, high energy, and a passion for molding young minds into becoming productive members of society.

“We are incredibly delighted for Dr. Sunda-Meya to begin his official tenure as Xavier University of Louisiana’s Dean of Arts and Sciences,” said Dr. Anne McCall, Xavier University of Louisiana Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Dr. Sunda-Meya is a world-educated polyglot with graduate degrees in philosophy, theology, and of course, physics. He has already proven his dedication to our mission of educating students to be great leaders, including being instrumental in establishing our newly launched robotics and mechatronics engineering program. We are looking forward to all the great things still to come under his leadership!”

Over the past three decades, Dr. Sunda-Meya has served as a leader in education and is driven by his desire to make a difference. A scientist, teacher, and humanist, Dr. Sunda-Meya has displayed the discipline to remain at the forefront of research and the generosity of spirit to share these accomplishments with students. With his unwavering dedication to engaging students and faculty in the Physics and Computer Science department, as well as other departments at Xavier, he has developed an environment of student success. He has also created student research opportunities for Xavier students in nanoscience through his strong mentoring, teaching and coaching support.

Dr. Sunda-Meya has a rich cultural, philosophical, and scientific background acquired through his unique life journey. He speaks several languages and has connected with students from all ethnic backgrounds at the university. For his outstanding devotion to teaching and service, he has received Xavier University’s Norman C. Francis Faculty award for teaching and the Norman C. Francis award for service. He is also the recipient of  Xavier’s 2021 Excellence in Physics Education Award from the American Physical Society.

“I am honored for the opportunity to lead the College of Arts and Sciences into the future,” said Dean Sunda-Meya. “The work our faculty, staff, and students do to promote a more just and humane society and to develop change makers is critically important to the lives of all Louisianians and our entire global society. I am optimistic about the future because of the amazing teaching and research we do in the College of Arts and Sciences. I’m also grateful for Provost McCall and President Verret for their trust and support.” 

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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 a 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 is to provide 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.