Mr. Ed Cole

Ed Cole was born in Homer, La., grew up in Longview and served in the US. Air Force in England during World War II. Gwen Cole was born in Hamburg, Ark., raised in Shreveport, La., and attended business college. Ed started his own oil field equipment rental and blow out preventer business in South Louisiana in 1958. Gwen worked at Home Federal Savings and Loan in Shreveport, La. for 26 years.

The couple retired in Nacogdoches in 1978. Since that time, they have been dedicated supporters of many areas of the university including fine arts, biotechnology, nursing, audiology, alumni and student affairs, and athletic programs. Most recently, the Ed and Gwen Cole Student Success Center was named in their honor in 2011. The Coles are members of First United Methodist Church, Friends of Music and the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Circle of Excellence. In addition, they are avid fans of SFA athletic teams.