Biloxi native Dr. Xavier Cole has been named the newest president at Loyola University in New Orleans.
The private Jesuit university made the announcement official through a video message Thursday.
“I am so honored and excited to be named the next president of Loyola University New Orleans,” Cole said. “I see my role at Loyola New Orleans as an opportunity to work intentionally with a world-class faculty and staff to help form the next generation of ethical and moral leaders.”
Cole has spent time as an administrator at multiple Jesuit institutions, most recently serving as vice president of student affairs at Marquette University. At Marquette, Cole helped further access and engagement initiatives for African American, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ students. He also won praise for chairing the school’s COVID-19 Response Team.
Cole, who has earned degrees from the University of Mississippi, Miami University (Ohio), and the University of Pennsylvania, begins as Loyola’s 18th president immediately. He becomes the first person of color and the second layperson to serve as president since Loyola’s founding in 1912.
