Walsh University and HBCU Xavier University of Louisiana Sign MOU to Advance Catholic Higher Education and Expand Opportunities for Students and Faculty

Walsh University is proud to announce a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation’s only Catholic historically Black college and university (HBCU), formalizing the first steps of what is expected to be a long and mutually enriching relationship. The agreement follows a recent visit to Xavier’s New Orleans campus by Dr. Mike Dunphy, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Walsh University, where leaders from both institutions expressed a shared vision to advance Catholic higher education through collaboration, innovation, and service.

“By joining forces with Xavier University of Louisiana, we are creating a model for how Catholic institutions can collaborate, share expertise, and help each other thrive,” said Dr. Dunphy. “This partnership will directly benefit our students and faculty, and ultimately the communities we serve.”

Through the MOU, Walsh and Xavier will work together to create a range of academic pathways and scholarly exchanges:

• Graduate Pathways – Xavier students interested in healthcare careers who do not pursue medical school will have streamlined access to Walsh’s nationally recognized graduate programs in Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Exercise Physiology.
• Business Education – Xavier undergraduates in business will be eligible for direct admission to Walsh’s MBA program.
• Pharmacy Opportunities – Biology and chemistry graduates from Walsh will be able to apply to Xavier’s well-respected School of Pharmacy.
• Faculty Collaboration – The agreement encourages joint research initiatives, co-authored publications, and teaching collaborations that enrich the academic experience on both campuses.
• Student Cross-Enrollment – Students may be allowed to enroll in selected programs or courses at the partner institution, expanding their access to diverse academic experiences and resources.

Xavier, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, has earned national recognition for its excellence in undergraduate business, pre-medical education, and pharmacy. It continues to lead the nation in producing African American graduates who go on to complete medical school, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). During his visit, Dr. Dunphy toured Xavier’s labs and classrooms, met with faculty, and explored shared academic priorities alongside Xavier’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Marguerite Giguette, and Dr. Christopher Gillard, Associate Dean for Student Affairs in the College of Pharmacy.

The partnership is part of a larger strategic initiative within Walsh University’s Office of Academic Affairs to build strong relationships with fellow Catholic institutions across the United States and internationally. In recent years, Walsh has forged similar partnerships with Newman Guide universities, Donnelly College, the Catholic University of Erbil in Iraq, and Australian Catholic University. The collaboration with Xavier continues that momentum and further supports Walsh’s mission to develop cross-institutional opportunities that empower students, support faculty, and promote the common good.

“We are excited to collaborate with Walsh University in this shared effort to expand access and promote academic excellence within Catholic higher education,” said Dr. Giguette. “Our institutions are united by a deep commitment to mission, service, and student success.”

In the coming months, both universities will form working groups to define specific program agreements, identify initial faculty collaborations, and develop course-sharing opportunities. The first group of participating students is expected to begin engaging in new academic experiences during the next academic year.

Read Coverage in Inside Higher Ed