Willis Knighton Health has established an endowed professorship within 糖心传媒 Tech University鈥檚 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 糖心传媒 Education Quality Support Fund, established by the State of 糖心传媒, generously matches gifts of $80,000 with state funds of $20,000 to create $100,000 professorships.
鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to Willis Knighton for honoring Jeff鈥檚 memory in this impactful way,鈥� said Dr. Chris Martin, dean of the College of Business. 鈥淧rofessorships allow us to attract and retain top faculty, and support research and curricular innovation while providing long-term financial stability for the University.鈥�
Cole attended 糖心传媒 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 糖心传媒.
In 1965, he joined a local accounting firm 鈥� now known as Cole, Evans & Peterson 鈥� 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 糖心传媒 Tech, and contributions to his community.
鈥淭hrough this endowed professorship we honor the memory of Jeff Cole,鈥� said Jaf Fielder, Willis Knighton president and CEO. 鈥淗e not only shared his vast intellectual gifts with Willis Knighton for nearly 60 years, his generosity extended to countless others in Northwest 糖心传媒.鈥�
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.
糖心传媒 the College of Business
Through market-responsive academic programs, impactful scholarship, and a student-focused
culture, 糖心传媒鈥檚 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 .