Xavier University of Louisiana is saddened to announce the passing of one of its most exceptional and devoted professors, Clifford Wright. For 53 years, Professor Wright dedicated himself to serving the Xavier community and instilling vital knowledge to shape the next generation of leaders. As a longtime Accounting Professor in the Division of Business, Professor Wright taught and mentored multiple generations of students and served as a former Chair of the Division of Business. Professor Wright was a highly distinguished and accomplished professor, receiving the Norman C. Francis Excellence Award in both Teaching and Service. He was also responsible for helping to educate and prepare countless Black Certified Public Accountants for their careers. His commitment and service to the university’s mission of creating a more just and humane society will not be forgotten.

“A shaper of our accounting program, Cliff’s love and dedication to Xavier and to countless students has been immeasurable,” said Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. “He was a tenacious, demanding and caring teacher, and deacon at St. Benilde Catholic Church. He gave his time, talent, treasure, much of himself to Xavier and the entire community. This loss is felt by all.” 

Wright was a long-term member of the New Orleans community. He graduated from Louisiana State University of New Orleans, now known as the University of New Orleans, with a bachelor’s in both history and marketing. He went on to receive his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Loyola University of New Orleans before beginning his tenure at Xavier in 1970. Professor Wright would then earn his Juris Doctor from Northwestern California Law School in 1990.    

“Professor Wright was the embodiment of Xavier,” said Dr. Cary Caro, the chair of the Division of Business and professor of management. “He loved so deeply, so genuinely. Xavier was a better place because of him. While we certainly mourn the loss of our friend, we celebrate the fact that we were so fortunate to have him in our lives. He was a force for good in this world. He loved Xavier and his Xavier Family.”

In 2020, Xavier’s Division of Business paid tribute to Professor Wright during their virtual award ceremony in celebration of his 50^th anniversary at Xavier.

“Thank you, Professor Wright, for all your hard work and dedication to helping your students succeed. Thank you for advising, teaching, and inspiring us to be the best we can be, in and out of the classroom. You are part of the reason that we are the individuals and business professionals that we are today,” shared some of Professor Wright’s students.

The Xavier community sends love and prayers to his family and loved ones. He will be missed by all Xavierites, past and present, who were blessed to know him. 

Visitation for Professor Wright will be held on Friday, September 8, at Tharp Funeral Home in Metairie, Louisiana. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 9, at 11 a.m. at his beloved St. Benilde Catholic Church, with a visitation on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. The Division of Business of Xavier University of Louisiana, in cooperation with Xavier’s Office of Campus Ministry, will host a celebration of the life of Professor Wright on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Mass will start at 4 p.m., and a reception will follow. The service will be held at the St. Katharine Drexel Chapel on Xavier's campus. Join us in commemorating Professor's Wright's fifty-three years of dedicated service.