Yesterday, the New Orleans City Council acknowledged the significant contributions of BET+, Edmonds Entertainment, and This Way-Out Media to the local community, emphasizing the importance of their work in promoting the cultural richness of Xavier University of Louisiana District B and the city itself through their landmark decision to film the latest season of “College Hill: Celebrity Edition” at the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic university. Xavier’s selection as the host to the wildly popular television program underscores the institution’s pivotal role in the educational landscape and cultural heritage of New Orleans.  

Xavier is set to celebrate its first 100 years of service in 2025, and the announcement by BET+ of it as the latest location of “College Hill: Celebrity Edition” was met with enthusiasm from both the entertainment industry and the academic community. 

The upcoming season, set to debut later in 2024 on BET+, will feature a star-studded cast, including notable figures such as Karlous Miller, Tamar Braxton, and Saucy Santana. This diverse lineup aims to showcase the vibrant culture and diversity of New Orleans while highlighting the unique contributions of Xavier University of Louisiana.  

During a meeting yesterday, the New Orleans City Council was treated to remarks from several officials from Xavier and representatives of Edmonds Entertainment and Way-Out Media, including Xavier Vice President of External Relations, Patrice Bell; Xavier’s Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Ashley Irvin Hawkins; Tracey Edmonds, CEO & President of Edmonds Entertainment; and the Executive Producers and Owners of This Way-Out Media, Sean Rankine and Mark Seliga. 

“We are thrilled that ‘College Hill: Celebrity Edition’ has chosen Xavier University of Louisiana as the backdrop for its transformative collegiate experience,” shared Irvin-Hawkins. “This partnership highlights our institution’s rich history and culture and amplifies our commitment to academic excellence and social justice.” 

Xavier is renowned for its academic prowess and powerful legacy of producing more Black students who graduate from medical school than any other institution in the nation. For decades, it has ranked among America’s top Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBCUs). Founded by St. Katharine Drexel and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier has graduated legions of alums instilled with its mission to promote a more just and humane society.  

With Xavier’s outstanding contributions set to be emphasized through the lens of popular culture on the national stage as filming of the third season commences, anticipation mounts for a season that promises to celebrate the legacy of HBCUs and showcase the unique spirit of New Orleans.