Notable BIPOC Executives: Xavier Cole

Class of 2023

Xavier Cole, vice president for student affairs at Marquette University, leads the Division of Student Affairs, which fosters the holistic growth of students by providing them with opportunities to learn and practice skills, grow in competency and develop as leaders in service to others. 

“He is passionate about access and engagement initiatives for first-generation students and students of color in higher education,” said provost Kimo Ah Yun. “Dr. Cole is a highly valued leader on campus, leading various initiatives. In March 2020, he began serving as chair of Marquette’s COVID-19 response team — a role for which he deserves much recognition.”

The response team was organized into five committees, encompassing approximately 100 subject matter experts from faculty and staff.

Throughout the pandemic, COVID transmission remained low on campus among students, faculty and staff, and professional contact tracing showed little to no classroom-based transmission and was able to help limit residence hall quarantine and isolation activity. Since fall 2020, Marquette has not needed to cancel in-person classes or suspend residency.

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