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@ecom888.com
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@ecom888.com to reserve the room.