Xavier University of Louisiana Commemorates Veterans Day

Xavier University of Louisiana, having been blessed with a mission to promote a more just and humane society nearly a century ago by its foundress St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, wants to commemorate all the brave veterans that have and continue to serve this nation. Xavier University President Reynold Verret delivers the university’s message of gratitude.

Xavier University of Louisiana thanks all those who have served and continue to serve this nation.

Xavier Alumni and Veteran Dr. Clarence Becknell Aims to Elevate Veteran Access to Education

In May 2023, Col. Clarence Becknell Sr. crossed the stage and received his third degree from Xavier University of Louisiana, becoming “Dr. Clarence Becknell.” A decorated military veteran, former Morris Jeff Elementary Principal and Zulu Historian, Dr. Becknell has been receiving great media attention for his work to further the education of veterans. Together with Dr. Ramona Jean Perkins, the educational leadership doctoral program coordinator at Xavier University of Louisiana, Dr. Becknell aims to establish programs and resources at the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic institution geared specifically toward elevating veterans seeking higher education.

Retiring after 40 years of service in 2008, Dr. Becknell served in the United States Air Force from 1968-1972 and was also part of the Louisiana Air National Guard and the Louisiana Army Guard. He achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel-colonel. In 2009, the U.S. Army honored Dr. Becknell with a Freedom Team Salute Veteran Commendation during a special ceremony during the Essence Music Festival for his years of service with the Army National Guard.

Through his dissertation, “A Sacrifice for their Country and A Commitment to Their Community: A Phenomenological Study of Veterans Transitioning from Soldier to Student," Dr. Becknell’s work has sparked the interest of local media the challenges veterans encounter transitioning to colleges and universities. His scholarly research aimed at improving access to soldiers transitioning to students by creating a Blueprint designed to create “Veteran Friendly Campuses.”

According to a research study by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, former military men and women encountered common challenges during readjustment. The challenges former military men and women faced during any transition could be long-lasting and stressful, particularly as they moved from a highly structured military environment to a relaxed higher education environment. Dr. Becknell hopes to change that, little by little, starting at his alma mater.