Xavier Cole

Dr. Xavier A. Cole began his tenure at Marquette in 2016 as the vice president for student affairs. The mission of the Division of Student Affairs is grounded in the Ignatian understanding of the dignity and value of each person, fostering the holistic growth of students by providing them opportunities to learn and practice skills, grow in competency, and develop as leaders in service to others.

Prior to Marquette, Cole served as vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Washington College, a small liberal arts institution in Chestertown, Md. Before Washington College, Cole served the Division of Student Development at Loyola University Maryland for 20 years in roles of increasing responsibility, leaving in 2014 as assistant vice president.

A native Mississippian, Cole earned his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Mississippi; his master’s in history from Miami University (Ohio); and his doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania. Cole’s dissertation research focused on mission and identity programs at three Jesuit universities and their impact on mission leadership for laypersons.

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