Office of the President

Now in his third year as president of Loyola University New Orleans, Dr. Cole and the Loyola community are experiencing tremendous momentum with the completion of a strategic planning initiative. This period marks the fruition of multiple campus improvement projects, including Uptown Hall, new 600 bed residence hall, and the completion of the Chapel of St. Ignatius and Gayle and Tom Benson Jesuit Center. Enhancements to overall student life include a substantial renovation of the Danna Student Center and the initiation of updates to critical academic classrooms and teaching spaces.

In keeping with the current times, Dr. Cole has been a steadfast advocate for first-generation students and families, addressing the FAFSA delays both locally and in Washington, D.C. He has championed the development of academic programs that serve Louisiana's most vulnerable families, including the expansion of Midwifery and Nursing programs. The University has recently received a 2.85 million dollar federal grant to strengthen and expand the Nursing and Health Science programs. Dr. Cole has also strengthened alumni engagement nationwide, sharing Loyola’s impactful story and successes. Through it all, he has built a strong leadership team poised to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education and ensure a bright future for Loyola.

Dr. Cole is the first person of color, and only the second layperson, to serve as president since Loyola’s founding in 1912. His commitment to the university is evident in his focus on mission-aligned partnerships, improving the school’s financial health and stability, and investing in those who work and learn at Loyola. He also plays an active role in the broader community, serving on the boards of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU); the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), Economic Development Inc.’s Committee of 100, Greater New Orleans (GNO) Inc., and Business Council of New Orleans and the River Region (BCNO). Additionally, he has been named to Biz New Orleans’ 2024 and 2025 New Orleans 500.

Before coming to Loyola, Dr. Cole served as Vice President of the Division of Student Affairs at Marquette University starting in 2016. He was known for his passion for access and engagement initiatives, particularly for first-generation students and students of color. He also won praise for chairing Marquette’s COVID-19 Response Team during the challenging early days of the pandemic in March 2020.

Dr. Cole’s dedication to Jesuit education continued as co-chair of the Mission Priority Examen at Marquette, and as a visiting team member for Mission Priority Examens at Creighton and Seattle universities. Dr. Cole has worked consistently to ensure ongoing education and mission development of faculty, staff, students and board members through intentional Ignatian mission formation training and development programs.