This article profiles Dr. Norman Francis and describes how his longevity, strategic planning and vision as president of Xavier University bring academic and financial success. Higher education leaders say his 43 years at the Catholic HBCU in New Orleans is an increasingly rare example of the benefits possible from a lengthy presidency. It takes time, they say, for a president to build good will and confidence on campus, solidify relationships with faculty members, and implement a vision for the institution, all accomplishments of Francis. Dr. Francis has guided Xavier for more than six times the average length of a college presidency. The leaders interviewed for this article attribute his success also to the quality of his leadership, which they describe as steady, energetic, dynamic and shaped by his faith and the power of education. Still, they say longevity does matter.