NEWS

Willis Knighton Health has established an endowed professorship within Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business. Given in memory of William Jefferson Cole, the professorship will provide critical research support to a distinguished faculty member in the College.

To further enhance the impact of this endowed professorship, the Louisiana Education Quality Support Fund, established by the State of Louisiana, generously matches gifts of $80,000 with state funds of $20,000 to create $100,000 professorships.

“We’re grateful to Willis Knighton for honoring Jeff’s memory in this impactful way,” said Dr. Chris Martin, dean of the College of Business. “Professorships allow us to attract and retain top faculty, and support research and curricular innovation while providing long-term financial stability for the University.”

Cole attended Louisiana Tech, earning a degree in accounting and serving as a member of ROTC. After graduation, he honorably served in the U.S. Air Force before moving back to Northwest Louisiana.

In 1965, he joined a local accounting firm — now known as Cole, Evans & Peterson — and was soon named partner and later managing partner, a role he held until his passing in 2024. In 1967, Cole began his relationship with Willis Knighton Health, becoming a trusted strategic advisor to what has become the largest healthcare provider in the region.

Cole was named Distinguished Alumnus of the College of Business in 2017 in recognition of his exceptional career, professional leadership, dedicated service to Louisiana Tech, and contributions to his community.

“Through this endowed professorship we honor the memory of Jeff Cole,” said Jaf Fielder, Willis Knighton president and CEO. “He not only shared his vast intellectual gifts with Willis Knighton for nearly 60 years, his generosity extended to countless others in Northwest Louisiana.”

The Willis Knighton Health Endowed Professorship in Memory of William Jefferson Cole will support a faculty member whose work enhances both research and student learning, advancing innovation in business education while honoring the legacy of Jeff Cole.

For information on establishing an endowed professorship within the College of Business, contact Executive Director of Development Mary Susan Britt at marysusan@latechalumni.org.

About the College of Business
Through market-responsive academic programs, impactful scholarship, and a student-focused culture, Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business graduates business and academic leaders who are innovative, entrepreneurially minded, and analytically and technologically skilled for a globally competitive marketplace. Building on a vibrant community of lifelong learners, our graduates are prepared to positively impact business and society. Accredited by AACSB International, the nationally ranked College offers eight undergraduate degree programs in addition to the master of business administration, master of accountancy, and Ph.D. in business administration. For more information, visit business.latech.edu.