A loved icon of the Xavier University of Louisiana Community for over 30 years, Dr. Marguerite S. Giguette has been named the interim senior vice president of Academic Affairs and Provost. Starting at Xavier as a computer science faculty member, Dr. Giguette’s love for Xavier and passion for elevating the opportunities offered to its students have guided her on her journey to multiple leadership positions at the university.

 For 17 years, Dr. Giguette has faithfully served Xavier in the Office of Academic Affairs and, most recently, as its Senior Associate Provost and Chief Institutional Research Officer. She has also acted as the institution’s liaison to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). A New Orleans native, Dr. Giguette received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1979. She then earned her Master of Science in Mathematics from Texas A&M University and her Ph.D. in Computer Science from Tulane University.

 “For over thirty years, I’ve worked at Xavier and have seen many changes; however, I have witnessed Xavier persist because the Xavier community is resilient,” said Dr. Giguette. “As Interim Provost, I will be able to serve the university in a different capacity, and I’m looking forward to working with the President, Vice Presidents, faculty, staff, and students to advance Xavier as we Press Forward & Fear Nothing.”

 Before starting her journey at Xavier in 1990, Dr. Giguette taught at Loyola and Tulane Universities. In her fourth year at Xavier, Dr. Giguette was named chair of the Computer Science Department, a position she held until January 2004. In 2006, she was named the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

 While serving in Xavier’s Computer Science Department, Dr. Giguette secured over $4 million in grants from government agencies and foundations. These grants supported efforts at the department and university levels, advancing resources and offerings for students, staff, and faculty. Initiatives funded through the grants secured by Dr. Giguette include an undergraduate research program in computer science, scholarships for computer science and mathematics students, research in gender-based differences in computer science, and the implementation of Xavier’s Stress on Analytical Reasoning 3 Program for prospective computer science students. These grants also supported the establishment of Xavier’s computer engineering program and the Center for Undergraduate Research, now known as Xavier’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (CURGO).

 Dr. Giguette continues to work on Xavier programs and grants, currently serving as one of the Principal Investigators for Xavier’s NIH-funded Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity Initiative, Project Pathways (XULA BUILD). Her current portfolio also includes working with faculty and departments across campus to develop new programs and discipline-specific accreditation issues. She recently led the Career Pathways Initiative, a grant from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), funded by the Lilly Endowment. She has also published several articles and has presented her findings at various workshops and conferences. Dr. Giguette’s work exemplifies her diligent leadership and commitment to education.

 “I am hoping that our Xavier community sees what I see in Xavier – a university that strives to work for the success of all students as they prepare for life after Xavier. I hope that all – students, faculty, and staff – will see that student success requires that we all work together. It is through this lens that I am excited about my role as Interim Provost,” said Dr. Giguette. “I will be more visible to our students, as well as more supportive to our faculty as they continue to work on their teaching and research. I will also be able to lend my expertise to various campus initiatives. As I step into my new role, I look forward to working with the Xavier community as we continue to provide excellent academic programs and services to our students.”

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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 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.