The Committee of 100 for Economic Development, Inc. has selected Dr. Xavier Cole of Loyola University New Orleans as a member for 2023. C100 Board Member, Kellen Mathews, a partner in the Baton Rouge office of Adams and Reese, stated, “C100 welcomes Dr. Cole. He brings experience and knowledge to the membership of C100 that will greatly benefit our members and the citizens of our state.”

Dr. Cole is the 18th president of Loyola University New Orleans. He is the first person of color, and the second layperson, to serve as president since Loyola’s founding in 1912. Prior to Loyola, Dr. Cole was the Vice President of the Division of Student Affairs at Marquette University, beginning in 2016. He brought particular passion to access and engagement initiatives for first-generation students and students of color, including enhancing support for African American and Hispanic students, as well as expanding services for LGBTQ+ students. He also won praise for chairing Marquette’s COVID-19 Response Team, starting in the demanding days of March 2020.

A product of Biloxi, Mississippi, he holds a bachelor’s in history from the University of Mississippi, and a master’s degree in history from Miami University (Ohio). He discovered his passion for student affairs as a Resident Advisor at Ole Miss and then as a graduate hall director at Miami. In 2013, Dr. Cole earned a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.

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The Committee of 100 for Economic Development Inc is Louisiana's Business Roundtable promoting public policy that makes Louisiana more competitive in retaining existing business and industry and attracting more innovative businesses to Louisiana.