1945
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Cornelius and Enell Francois.
1967
Graduates magna cum laude from Grambling State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science.
1968
Receives a Master of Arts in English education from Atlanta University (Clark Atlanta University).
1968
Becomes a composition teacher and an associate professor of English at Southern University at New Orleans.
1976
Becomes a coordinator of TRIO Programs and director of the Upward Bound Program at Southern University at New Orleans.
1980
Authors three editions of “Handbook for Upward Bound Participants” over seven years.
1989
Appointed dean of the Junior Division of Southern University at New Orleans.
1992
Receives a Doctor of Philosophy in curriculum and instruction from Louisiana State University.
1992
Authors “From Their Perspective: Issues of School and Family Culture of Four African American, First Generation College Students.”
1994
Becomes Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Grambling State University.
1997
Serves as Vice President for Development and University Relations at Grambling State University.
1998
Serves as special assistant to the President at Grambling State University.
2000
Becomes a Nissan/ETS Fellow at the Institute for Chief Academic Officers at HBCUs in New Orleans, Louisiana.
2001
Appointed acting president of Grambling State University.
2002
Authors “Racism in the Classroom: Case Respondent” for the Association of Childhood Education International.
2003
Authors “A Gift to Yourself: The Doctorate Degree” for The Black Student’s Guide to Graduate and Professional School Success.
2005
Serves as a visiting/clinical professor of the Executive PhD Program at Jackson State University.
2012
Authors “Be Secure in Who You Are: Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson” for Voices of Historical and Contemporary Black American Pioneers.
2012
Authors “Fight for the Things You Believe: Clarence Ray Nagin” for Voices of Historical and Contemporary Black American Pioneers.
2016
Authors “Honoring the Call: Odyssey of an Acting University President.”