New Orleans, La – Joel Munza proudly joins the Xavier University of Louisiana team as Vice President for Enrollment Management with a promise to further elevate the mission of the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic institution. For nearly 100 years, Xavier has provided exceptional education for students to reach the highest levels of achievement. Munza brings to Xavier extensive enrollment and leadership experience supporting the university’s academics that equips students with the skills necessary to excel and thrive in a global society. 

“Xavier is excited to welcome Joel Munza to our campus community, and we look forward to his leadership as he continues to bring exceptional students to Xavier,” said Dr. Marguerite Giguette, Interim Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs of Xavier University of Louisiana. “Xavier is dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge necessary to excel, and VP Munza's efforts will support future generations of Xavier students in their pursuit of academic excellence at this great university.” 

Munza is an experienced, dedicated enrollment leader focused on implementing innovative solutions that drive enrollment growth and advance university goals. With 12 years of professional experience, he has proven his ability to transform enrollment divisions, using cutting-edge technology to develop effective and efficient processes that allow students to achieve their objectives at different stages of their education journey. 

“I am humbled and thrilled to join this incredible university as Vice President for Enrollment Management. As someone who attended a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) institution, I am deeply honored to serve at the first Catholic HBCU whose ultimate purpose is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service across the world,” said Munza. “I want to thank President Verret and the entire Xavier community for this tremendous opportunity.”

As Vice President for Enrollment Management, Munza will oversee Xavier’s offices of admissions, student financial aid, and the registrar. He will also be responsible for the development and implementation of the university’s enrollment management plan and the establishment of strategic enrollment priorities to support the university’s mission.

He holds a Master of Science in business administration with a concentration in aviation finance from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a bachelor’s in computer engineering from Bethune Cookman University (BCU), and an associate’s degree in computer information technology from Daytona Beach Community College, now called Daytona State College (DSC). 

Munza previously served at Augustana University (AU) as the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management where he implemented a comprehensive recruitment strategy that led to enrolling the largest incoming class ever recorded since 1970. Before his time at AU, Munza served in numerous leadership roles at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for over nine years, five of which he served as the Director of Enrollment Management Operations. 

 “My hope is to expand Xavier’s recruitment and name brand into new communities and strengthen our reach of students in our own backyard right here in New Orleans,” said Munza.

“I look forward to working in collaboration with the entire Xavier community to further enhance this university’s reputation as the number one destination for students looking to have the best return on their investment in education.”

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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 (2,749 undergraduates and 849 graduates) an unbeatable combination of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service-learning opportunities and life experiences. Xavier students collaborate with worldrenowned 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) 520-5425 or rreyes@xula.edu.