A Life for Equity in Science: A History of J.W. Carmichael and His Legacy in Biochemistry at Xavier University of Louisiana
Marybeth Gasman, Jessica Marshall, Thai-Huy NguyenBackground:
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have long prepared Black students for careers in medicine and science despite persistent structural inequities and limited resources. At Xavier University of Louisiana, biochemistry professor J.W. Carmichael helped build an influential system of premedical education grounded in rigorous instruction, structured mentoring, faculty collaboration, and a commitment to student success.
Focus of Study:
This study examines the life and influence of J.W. Carmichael, with particular attention to how his teaching philosophy, mentoring practices, and leadership helped Xavier operationalize equity and expand pathways for Black students entering medicine and science.
Research Design:
The study uses historical research methods and draws on archival materials from Xavier University, records from the National Medical Association, Carmichael’s writings and peer-reviewed publications, existing oral histories, and 20 new oral history interviews with former and current Xavier students, faculty, and staff. The authors triangulated oral histories with institutional documents, scholarship, and other historical sources to interpret Carmichael’s work within its social, institutional, and disciplinary contexts.
Conclusions:
Carmichael’s influence resulted from his sustained commitment to students and his alignment with Xavier’s institutional mission. Xavier’s success demonstrates that advancing equity in STEM requires long-term institutional investment in structured curricula, early intervention, collaborative learning, intensive mentoring, and faculty accountability for student success. The authors conclude that other institutions must reconsider their incentives, faculty roles, and definitions of excellence if they hope to reproduce similar outcomes.