In recognition of his contributions to education and social justice, Dr. Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Portland during its 2024 undergraduate commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 5. President Verret took the helm of Xavier in 2015 after a unanimous election by the university’s Board of Trustees and is preparing to lead the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic institution into its next century of service following the celebration of its historic centennial in 2025. Since his election, President Verret has championed the university’s mission of promoting a more just and humane society through education, research, and service. The honorary degree bestowed by the University of Portland highlights President Verret’s remarkable dedication to fostering academic excellence and equity in higher education, particularly for underrepresented communities. 

Under President Verret’s visionary leadership, Xavier University of Louisiana has flourished, earning national recognition for its commitment to academic rigor, community engagement, and social responsibility. His transformative initiatives have strengthened Xavier’s reputation as a beacon of hope and opportunity for students of all backgrounds.  He championed the renaming of Jefferson Davis Parkway in New Orleans to Norman C. Francis Parkway in honor of Xavier alumnus and renowned President Emeritus Dr. Norman C. Francis (‘52). President Verret’s efforts were also instrumental in establishing the upcoming medical college in partnership with Ochsner Health.  

Xavier has continued to expand its academic and extracurricular offerings under President Verret’s guidance. He oversaw the revival of the university’s baseball program and the establishment of a softball team and soccer teams for men and women. The institution added a multitude of new programs and minors, including programs in robotics, performance studies, African American diaspora studies, bioinformatics, engineering, data science, neuroscience and genetics; minors in the digital humanities, performance studies; and new STEM-based master’s programs, among others. 

Dr. Verret, a distinguished scholar and leader, has dedicated his career to fostering academic excellence, diversity, and equity in higher education. Before being appointed Xavier’s President, he served as provost and chief administrative officer at Savannah State, Georgia’s first public historically Black university. In addition to his role at Savannah State, Dr. Verret served as provost at Wilkes University in Northern Pennsylvania and dean of the Misher College of Arts and Sciences at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. He also served as the chair of chemistry at Clark Atlanta University, where he oversaw close to $10 million in grant funding.  

Haitian-born President Verret came to America as a child in 1963. He earned his undergraduate degree with honors from Columbia University, a doctorate in biochemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Howard Hughes Institute for Immunology at Yale University and the Center for Cancer Research at MIT.  

As a biochemist and immunologist, Dr. Verret studied the functions of immune cells, especially the mechanisms of resistance to the lytic properties of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. He has published over two dozen scientific articles on various biochemical research. His background in the sciences makes him particularly suited to Xavier, having developed programs to prepare STEM teachers, secure tuition support for teacher certification in STEM fields and affirm joint instructional and research programs. His background proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic when his leadership and oversight contributed to Xavier’s quick response and remarkably low (less than 2%) infection rate.  

The University of Portland’s decision to confer an honorary degree upon Dr. Verret reflects his exemplary leadership and tireless advocacy for educational equity and social justice. Dr. Verret expressed his gratitude and highlighted the importance of collaboration and solidarity in addressing the challenges facing higher education today.  

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the University of Portland,” said Dr. Verret. “Education has the power to transform lives and uplift communities, and I am blessed to lead Xavier in continuing its good work to bring about the more just and humane society envisioned by Mother Katharine and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament when they founded Xavier almost 100 years ago. Together, we will create a more inclusive and equitable society where all individuals can thrive.” 

Dr. Verret’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in higher education resonates deeply with the University of Portland’s mission of educating the whole person and empowering students to lead with compassion and integrity. Through his leadership at Xavier University and his advocacy for social justice, Dr. Verret has inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams and positively impact their communities. 

Congratulations to Dr. Verret on this well-deserved honor from the University of Portland. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of students, educators, and changemakers for years to come.