New Orleans, LA - Xavier University of Louisiana, America’s only historically Black and Catholic university, was recently awarded several accolades from Plexuss, Inc. Plexuss is an education technology company that seeks to connect millions of students with universities and opportunities for growth. Plexuss recognized Xavier as the nation’s #2 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and as the number one HBCU in Louisiana as part of their 2022 rankings. Plexuss also ranked Xavier’s Data Science as the top in the state and as the second-highest Faith-based College in Louisiana. 

Xavier’s Bachelor of Science in Data Science program is a newer addition to the plethora of offerings at Xavier. 

"The recognition of our recently established Data Science program reflects the expertise and commitment of our faculty, along with the ambition and talent of our students. Together, they are breaking boundaries in this rapidly evolving field,” said Dr. Anne McCall, Provost of Xavier University of Louisiana. 

The Data Science program at Xavier was established to meet the growing demand for data scientists and analysts with excellent analytical and technical skills who can analyze massive amounts of data and extract information from complex data sources. 

“There is a high need for people of color in data science and technology as the industry is rapidly growing with even more innovative technologies,” said Dr. Anderson Sunda-Meya, Dean of Xavier’s College of Arts and Sciences. “If we want a more just and humane society, we must continue to focus on the fundamentals necessary for the design of intelligent systems, including the extraction and translation of complex data. We want our students to be at the forefront of this developing area.” 

Xavier’s program in Data Science is an interdisciplinary curriculum that provides students with content knowledge and skills across the broad field of data science, including information 

technology principles, concepts, practices, system and database software, learning from data, and analytical thinking. 

Dr. Nawa Raj Pokhrel, assistant professor of data science and statistics, shared what makes Xavier's Data Science program so successful. 

“Our Data Science Program at Xavier offers a unique and well-balanced combination of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and interdisciplinary courses that lie in the intersection of all to solve multidisciplinary problems in a multifaceted way," said Dr. Pokhrel 

To see Xavier’s profile and rankings on Plexuss, click here. 

Founded in 2015, Plexuss is mission-driven to changing the world by providing a connective worldwide ecosystem of students, universities and scholarship opportunities. Currently, the Plexuss international network has over 7 million student users and approximately 18,000 higher education institutions. 

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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 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 follow us on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter @XULA1925. To book interviews and/or to speak with our experts in the field of pharmacy, education, premed, public health, science, technology, math, business, English, communications, and the arts, contact Regi Reyes at (504) 520-5240 or rreyes@xula.edu.