Office of the President

In his first year as president of Loyola University New Orleans, Dr. Cole has been a steadfast advocate for first-generation students and families, addressing the FAFSA delay both locally and in Washington, D.C. He has championed the development of academic programs that serve Louisiana's most vulnerable families, such as expanding Midwifery programs. Dr. Cole has also strengthened alumni engagement nationwide, sharing Loyola’s impactful story and successes. Leading the university through one of the most politically charged academic years in recent history, he leaned into the university's mission and values when responding to protests. 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 worked to expand support for African American and Hispanic students and introduced services for LGBTQ+ students. 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.

Stephen Landry '83, chair of the Board of Trustees, presents Dr. Xavier Cole with a #18 basketball jersey, commemorating his appointment as the 18th president of Loyola University New Orleans.

Xavier Cole raises his hand as he speaks at the podium

President-Elect Cole speaks from the podium at his first appearance in front of the Loyola community.

A crowd of reporters surround Dr. Cole in front of a Loyola backdrop.

A crowd of reporters surrounds Dr. Cole following the event introducing him to the Loyola community held on March 24 on the Peace Quad.

Dr. Cole poses with students and staff at the welcome event held on the Peace Quad.

Xavier Cole mingles with staff and students on the Peace Quad on Friday, March 24.

Xavier Cole meets the public on the Peace Quad.

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Prior to Marquette, Dr. Cole shaped student life at higher education institutions in Maryland for more than two decades. From 2014 to 2016, he served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Washington College, a small liberal arts college in Chestertown, Maryland. Earlier in his career, from 1995 to 2014, he held various roles in the Division of Student Development at Loyola University Maryland, eventually becoming Assistant Vice President.

A native of Biloxi, Mississippi, Dr. Cole holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Mississippi and a master’s degree in history from Miami University (Ohio). His interest in student affairs was sparked during his time as a Resident Advisor at Ole Miss and as a graduate hall director at Miami. In 2013, he earned a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania. His dissertation, titled “Answering the Call: An Examination of the Development of Lay Leadership on Jesuit, Catholic University Campuses,” explored how mission and identity programs at U.S. Jesuit universities prepare future lay leaders—foreshadowing his own leadership journey.

An accomplished trombone and euphonium player, Dr. Cole’s love of student life extends beyond administration. At every institution where he has worked, he has auditioned for and played in student orchestra pits and jazz bands. This passion for music runs in the family—his mother was a professional singer, and his father was a band leader—making him a fitting presence at Loyola in the birthplace of jazz.

He is married to historian Dr. Susanne DeBerry Cole and is the proud dog-father of a feisty Cairn terrier named Mingus.

Contact Information

Location: 221 Marquette Hall
Phone: (504) 865-3847
Email: pres@loyno.edu

Mailing Address

Office of the President
Loyola University New Orleans
6363 St. Charles Avenue
Campus Box 9
New Orleans, LA 70118

President's Dining Room

The president's dining room is available for meetings.

Contact Desiree Rodriguez at desiree@loyno.edu to reserve the room.