Dr. Halima Leak Francis has earned a reputation as a highly productive higher education administrator and creative academician. ​At Tulane University, where she serves as Director of the John Lewis Public Administration Program, she has worked with the School of Professional Advancement leadership and advisors to steer curriculum design, recruit a nationally accomplished faculty, and secure accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Under Dr. Leak Francis' leadership, Tulane's public administration program was named in honor of the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis, reinforcing its role as a contemporary voice for advancing inclusive public service and community leadership. Upon its launch, the program exceeded expectations by tripling initial enrollment projections. Dr. Leak Francis also led the establishment of JLPA's Center for Applied Research. Throughout her career, she has taught diverse populations of students, increasing educational and professional development access in public service related fields through online and blended learning environments.

​

Prior to Tulane, Dr. Leak Francis served as Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation, a multi-sector, ethnically and culturally diverse civic organization specializing in providing culturally specialized social services. Along with her work at TMWF, she developed programming and engaged public and private supporters on behalf of institutions such as the City University of New York School of Professional Studies, New York University, Barnard College, and Communities in Schools of Wake County in North Carolina.

Dedicated to serving her community, Dr. Leak Francis prioritizes advancing systemic equity and inclusion by supporting organizations and programs that are committed to the same. Dr. Leak Francis is the former Co-Chair of the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Impact 100. She is also a Foundation for Louisiana board member.

A member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., she enjoys her home in the Greater New Orleans area with husband Eddie, her amazing bonus son, other family members, friends, and pets.